Learning With Simulations

An instructional simulation consists of a representation of an entity or process and is designed to model real-world objects or phenomena. People learn through simulations by interaction with the modeled system, the process, and the outcome. Two key features of simulations are that they implement a model or models of an observable system, and that they enable manipulation or interaction with the model.

The use of simulation in educational practice may date back to the 16th century. Simulations and their use in education have increased with the advent of computing technology that supports the representation of complex systems during the past 60 years. Instructional simulations have been applied in such diverse fields as health education, military strategies, lean processing, and business marketing.

Simulations and games are two concepts commonly used interchangeably. The primary reason for this confusion is the prominent usage of simulations within games. There are many examples of enormously popular simulation-based games such as the Sim series and Tycoon role-playing activities in which gamers use models of virtual, microcosmic worlds. Players of these simulations manipulate the success of these worlds through their interactions with them. Although these games employ the characteristics of instructional simulations, games contain elements of competition that have goals, constraints, and rules, with emphases on motivation and entertainment. Conversely, a simulation’s primary function is the modeling of a real activity or situation based on fidelity.

The advantages of using simulations in education are apparent. Among these advantages are the compression of time and space, the reduction of safety risks, and the enhanced representation of complex systems. Simulations provide an environment in which learners can engage and test hypotheses by making mistakes without undesirable consequences. Learners receive feedback in response to their actions in a safe, controlled environment. Moreover, simulations help learners explore the effects of changes in real-life situations that take place too quickly or too slowly for normal observation. Further, simulation-based training is often less costly than live training. This entry describes the process of learning with simulations, paradigms of modeling in instructional simulations, and the challenges of designing and using instructional simulations.