Digital Tool 12 Animations & Simulations

Animations & Simulations

Animation and simulations are an interactive resource where students take part in an interactive game or activity, and in this case, for a learning purpose.

The interaction between students and the activity can be done as a wholeclass on the IWB, in a group, pairs or an individual activity.  How the learning object or interactive resource is integrated into the unit or lesson plan (eg research activity; hook; rotational activity for higher order thinking; investigation model) depends on the pedagogy, the topic or content and access to the use of the computers/internet.  This is determined by the teacher.  Although there is no specific definition for this learning tool, the name animation suggests cartoon style graphics and simulations suggests activities that simulate particular experiences.  In this instance I have looked at learning objects which are a web-based digital learning resource which can be re-used by students.  Examples of these can be found on explorelearning website where anyone can sign up for a free 30 day trial of simulation experiences (you do not need special access for this site).  However the simulation introduction goes through an explanation of what is available on the site.   Other sites include the learning federation and a website called edna which has links to other web based activities for students.

PLUS

1. Provides opportunities for students to explore and understand the world.
2. There are different levels for all students.
3. Allows students to work independently or in groups.
4. Learning objects are available across the KLA's.
5. Fantastic for Distance Education students who because of distance may not have access to 'normal' class room activities or investigations.
6. The range available is so diverse they can be used for different purposes across a curriculum or unit plan.  Suitable for use as a modelling activity or as a group or individual activity to promote higher order thinking using new knowledge.
7. They 'engage' students in real life simulations or activities.
8. The activity is one that some students may never experience in real life but may aspire to.  For example helping fix the windscreen of the space shuttle.
9. They offer visually stimulating experiences.

MINUS

1. To get the full benefit the learning objects and activities should form part of a unit and be embedded into the lessons, not just an extra timefiller.
2. Can be time consuming searching for specific activities relating to unit plan.
3. Dial-up connections may slow down loading of activities and cause frustration amongst students.

INTERESTING IMPROVE IMPLEMENT

I have used learning objects from The Learning Federation in class with students and also as a higher order thinking in the analysing and comparing tool for students is SOSE and Science unit plans for assignments (compare different types of plastics;  how much water do you use).  The learning objects and most simulations are addictive if you are engaged in a topic of personal interest, so this would be stimulating for students as well.  There is a vast majority of simulations available on the internet, it just takes time to look for, find and trial what you specifically want.   I downloaded and joined explore learning for their 30 day free trial, and used the 'growing plants' activity to model what was required for my SWD students.  We did the activity on  the IWB and used it as a 'hook' and resource to list what was required to actually replicate the experiment, and it also showed how to record the data and information from the experiment.  The students took ownership of the experiment activity then because they were aware of expectations and what was required to undertake the task.  

WHAT I THINK

Animations and simulations are a new vital digital tool that allows students to bring the world into their classroom.  Even if students are not engaged by digital means of games and other activities, the use of these tools incorporated into effective teaching is invaluable for students.  I think as long as the students can link it to their personal interests and can see its relevance to the rest of the lesson or to what they are learning, then it is a tool that most students will embrace.  Because the tools are re-useable students can keep repeating them until they are satisfied with their personal results. 

Let me know what you think.