Using Stimulations
Using & Link to Simulations more
http://www.virtual-u.org/
Dicussion & locus of control more
I tried all of the simulations from the assignment and I found them frustrating in the retrospect that they don’t work in my locus of control. After spending several hours trying to find alternative games online also became fruitless. I went back to the list of sim activities and found Virtual U. It is a Virtual University where the player steps into the role of a University President. I thought it was very well engineered. I believe that this sim game will encourage college students to understand the infrastructure of a college campus and learn valuable time management, money budgeting skills as well as decision making process. Also understand their role in the college community through the eyes of a college president. My students will benefit from that since many of them are learning how to be a student and the valuable skills they will learn from Virtual University is needed when they live on their own.
After some further research online and talking with my students who are into game and role playing. I found out that Sim City has a University Edition which allows students to live the college life and get a feel for it. Unfortunately it’s not free but a good add-on for those that already have Sim 2 game.
Reflections - What I think more
I think simulations have a lot of potential when used in the correct manner as a teaching tool. They provide an opportunity to learn by doing. Most students will remember a lesson they did on the computer other than a lesson they heard in class. Students are engaged and involved in active learning. Simulations are also more in tune with students who grew up playing computer or video games. Sims are their realm. Also simulations can be use as a bridge between the student and the teacher since they are both in the realm of simulation learning how to problem solve. Overall simulations have many benefits in the educational setting.
I'm looking forward to the possibility of finding more simulations that relate to my locus of control. As well as developing my own simulations to be used to further my research if possible.