It's easy for teachers to feel as though technology s working against them, distracting students from their studies. However social networking sites allow for a feeling of collaboration and communication between teachers and students, and they offer a comfortable space for sharing ideas. These services also empower educators to pose more interesting questions, giving students time to discuss in and out of the classroom, generating multiple theories and correct answers through an open discussion. Additionally, simulation activities facilitate critical learning and thinking. The goals of these simulations is to produce conceptual knowledge of experiences that may otherwise be too difficult, expensive, or impossible to experience in real time. These simulations also model problem-solving skills and collaboration efforts in a highly engaging setting, pulling students "out of the classroom."
What are some examples of simulations that allow students to develop conceptual experiences that they otherwise could not in real life, and what classes could they be applied to?
One example of these simulations is a tour of the body or a simulated surgical procedure for anatomy class. (This is actually akin to simulations currently used by surgeons to improve dexterity.) Another might use a hot air balloon simulation to discuss gases chemistry and weight displacement in physics. The WWII role playing simulation in the article is a perfect example of a lesson on early 20th century tensions in world history.
These simulation tools seem more specific to class content than social networking, etc. Where can educators go to find these services?
Simply googling "educational simulations" brought up several options. And sites like Classroom 2.0 forums have mentioned several services as well.
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