This was by far my favourite workshop!
We learned from the presenters this week that ‘simulations’ are about entering a virtual environment or time period, where as ‘models’ mostly display the information and facts and are similar to an explanation. I personally love simulation games. It is sad to say that I am obsessed with Roller Coaster Tycoon which is a series of computer games that simulate amusement park management. Each game in the series challenges players with open-ended amusement park management and development, and also allows players to construct and customize their own unique roller coasters. As I was already a fan of the game it was one of the only workshops where I had prior experience so it was easier for me to sit back and enjoy learning more about simulations.
Our task was to create the Life cycle of a Butterfly using Microsoft PowerPoint. I think this was a great choice in task for use in the classroom as it directly links to English and Science and Technology. We learned that there are many benefits of creating and using simulations in the classroom that include: motivating, hands-on, empowering and age appropriate.
Although Roller Coaster Tycoon is not a free game, the presenters listed useful websites to access simulations and models. The links to these websites are below.
To guide us with creating the ‘Lifestyle of a Butterfly’ the girls had us explore the website above, the Life Cycle of a Frog.
