simulation program and instructional games

OBJECTIVES :The students should be able :a. To know the importance of simulation programs and instructional games.b. To play the games Simcity and Geosafari.

SIMULATION PROGRAMS

Simulation Softwareis based on the process

of modeling a real phenomenon with a set of mathematical formula. It is essentially a program that allows the user to observe an operation through simulation without actually performing that operation.

Simulation software is use widely to design equipment so that the final product will be as close to design specs as possible without expensive in process modification.

Simulation Software materials are another kind of software that are contructivist in nature.These simulation software :• teaches strategies and rules applied to real-life problems.

• ask students to make decisions on model s or scenarios.

• allows students to manipulate elements of a model and get the experience of the effects of their decision.

An example of such software is Simcity in which students are allowed to artificially manage a city given an imaginary city environment .

Decision-making involves such factors as budget,crime, education,transportation, energy resources, waste disposal, business/industries available.

Example :

Simcity is an open-ended city-building computer and console video game series originally designed by developer Will Wright. It is published by Maxis.Genres : Construction and management simulation, City-building gamePublishers: Electronic Arts,Nintendo, Maxis,FujitsuDesigners: Will Wright, Stone Librande,Ocean Quigley, Fred Haslam

INSTRUCTIONAL GAMES

While relating to low-level learning objectives ( e. g basic spelling or math skills) instructional computer games add the elements of competition and challenge.

An example is Geosafari which introduces adventure activities for Geography History and Science. The program can be played by up to 4 players to form teams. Learning outcomes can be achieved along simple memorization of,information,keyboarding skills, cooperation and social interaction.

GEOSAFARI

Is an educational toy company that releases various technological educational toys, including Geosafari Globe and the Phonics Lab.

The toy released in the year 1987 by the National Geographic Society and later the Educational Insight Society. It originally cost $99.95. The system used two-sided laminated cards that fit into the front of the machine. The center of the card had numbered elements that were the answers,and the sides of the card had alist of question or prompts.

The device would turn on a light next into the random question ,and the user would type in the number of the answer element.After all the questioned were answered it would present a score.

Card topis include d history,geography,math,astronomy, zoology, anatomy, geology and science, foreign languages, reading and various others.