Simulation in Education

According to Wikipedia (2009), an instructional simulation is a simulation of some type of reality (system or environment) but which also includes instructional elements that help a learner explore, navigate or obtain more information about that system or environment that cannot generally be acquired from mere experimentation. Instructional simulations focus learners on specific facts, concepts, or applications. Simulations in and of themselves are not educational. They must incorporate instructional elements that help expose the learner to key parts or concepts of the system or environment.

Simulations provide opportunities for learning in a flexible environment that can be accessible from any place and any time. The goal of a simulation is to give an experience as close as possible to reality that would otherwise not be accessible due to various factors. Simulations are based on some reality and are intended to provide the user with a pseudo-experience without the danger, expense, or complexity of real life issues.

With increase accessibility to computers, access to the internet, and availability of resources, the use of simulations is expanding rapidly in all types of settings. Simulations are being used in education to provide learning experiences to help expose the learner to key parts or concepts of the system or environment. Simulations are currently being used in educational settings to provide access to distance learning. These learning environments have the potential to provide many opportunities for communication and collaboration.