Games, models and simulations: A case study in design and delivery
PROCEEDINGS
Terence Ahern, College of Human Resources and Education, United States ; Angela Dowling, Suncrest Middle School, United States
Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ISBN 978-1-880094-84-6 Publisher: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), Waynesville, NC USA
Abstract
This paper reports on the findings of a study conducted in an 8th middle school class using a teacher-developed eco-simulation modeling a food web. Findings indicate that whole class instruction coupled with the use of a white-board resulted in a highly successful unit. The results show that the delivery of the agent-based model to the whole class focused the students not on the use of the technology but on the overarching problem - “How to create a sustained eco- system”. The key was the ability of the teacher not only to engage but also manage the students by using the computer-based artifact in a sustained scientific discourse of “observe, question, revise and test”. This resulted not only in a lively classroom interaction but an emergent understanding of the dynamic nature of eco-systems. Educators need to be flexible in the use of technology in the classroom.
Citation
Ahern, T. & Dowling, A. (2011). Games, models and simulations: A case study in design and delivery. In M. Koehler & P. Mishra (Eds.), Proceedings of SITE 2011--Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (pp. 2013-2018). Nashville, Tennessee, USA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved May 17, 2022 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/36599/.
Keywords
References
View References & Citations Map- Ahern, T. (2008). The Effectiveness of Visual Programming for model building in middle school. Paper presented at the Frontiers in Education, Saratoga Springs, NY.
- Ahern, T. (2009). Bridging the Gap: Cognitive Scaffolding to Improve Computer Programming for Middle School Teachers. Paper presented at the Frontiers in Education. Gregg, W., S., Lauko, M.A., & Brockway, D.M. (2006). The Nation's Report Card: Science 2005.
- Klopfer, E., & Begel, A. (2003). StarLogo under the hood and in the classroom. Retrieved from http://www.research.microsoft.com/~abegel/starlogo Papert, S. (1993). Mindstorms: Children, computers, and powerful ideas (Second ed.). New York: Basic Books.
- Roth, W.-M. (1996). Art and artifact of children's designing: A situated cognition perspective. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 5(2), 129-166.
- Wood, R., & Ashfeld, J. (2008). The use of interactive whiteboard for creative teaching and learning in literacy and mathematics: A case study. British Journal of Educational Technology, 39(1), 84-96.
These references have been extracted automatically and may have some errors. Signed in users can suggest corrections to these mistakes.
Suggest Corrections to References