Thursday, December 9, 2010

My 7th Review: Simulation Nation: The Promise of Virtual Learning Activities 12/7/10


Summary
In Simulation Nation: The Promise of Virtual Learning Activities, Marc Prensky discusses the multiple uses of simulation both in the real world and the classroom setting.  Three principles he listed as important elements of simulation are:  simulation is not new, it helps us understand complex issues and it demonstrates real world experiences (Prensky, ¶5-8).  Many uses of simulation are then listed to ensure that the reader has a broad concept of scope in regards to simulation uses and work force applications.  The main example given was astronaut training, but the article also reminded us that just posing the question of “What if the South had won the Civil War?” (Prensky, ¶6) is another example of using simulation in the classroom.  Common barriers to the use of simulation are stated as lack of knowledge, time, technology and ideas with the hope that teachers will begin sharing knowledge and expertise that allows the ideas of simulation use to expand within the classroom.  The reader is reminded throughout the article that simulation allows students to address “what if….” questions in a safe and exploratory environment, and this should be an ongoing focus for teachers looking to develop critical thinking skills in students. 
Reaction
I enjoyed Simulation Nation: The Promise of Virtual Learning Activities as it made me think of ways that simulation could be used in an art classroom.  Mixing glazes to make new colors, testing techniques and manipulations of materials are all opportunities that could be explored via simulation.  This article also touched upon the critical thinking skills that I find so important in working through challenges outside of the school setting.  When Prensky stated that simulation is real-world experience (Prensky, ¶8), I was reminded that teachers could further assist students by looking at the tools of many trades and incorporating those skills into the classroom setting.  And as Prensky listed, there are many fields that use simulation or have potential in the future to incorporate as a necessary skill requirement.  I agree with the statement that “meager usage (of simulation) is detrimental to the education of our twenty-first-century kids, and must change” (Prensky, ¶18).

Source
Prensky, M. (2007, March 9) Simulation Nation: The Promise of Virtual Learning Activities
                Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/computer-simulations-virtual-learning

Labels:  Technology Integration

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