Building SimQuest simulations LWT Seminar December 7th Jan van der Meij University of Twente (Enschede, The Netherlands) Faculty of Behavioral Sciences Department of Instructional Technology

Inquiry learning The learner is in control working like a scientist building his/her own knowledge Key characteristics Exploration Asking questions Making discoveries Searching for new understandings

Inquiry based learning environments Conceptual simulations Underlying model Learners have to explore the model by Manipulating input variables Observing output variables

Inquiry based learning environment

Inquiry learning processes Transformative processes Orientation Hypothesis generation Experiment design Data interpretation Evaluation Regulative processes Planning Monitoring

Problems with inquiry learning Hypothesis generation Design of experiments Interpretation of data Regulation Variables and/or relations not available Fear of rejection

Problems with inquiry learning Hypothesis generation Design of experiments Interpretation of data Regulation Inconclusive experiments Inefficient experiments Confirmation bias Engineering approach

Problems with inquiry learning Hypothesis generation Design of experiments Interpretation of data Regulation Misencodings Graph interpretation

Problems with inquiry learning Hypothesis generation Design of experiments Interpretation of data Regulation Absence of planning Poor monitoring Floundering

Decision points Orientation Hypothesis Planning Experiment Monitoring Which variables? Orientation Which hypothesis? Hypothesis What next? Planning Experiment Which variables, Which values What results? What was done? Monitoring Conclusion Which conclusion? Evaluation What was learned?

Instructional support Transformative processes Hypothesis tools Experiment hints Give extra domain information Regulative processes Model progression Planning support Monitoring support Structure the learning process Cognitive tools

How to use simulations in class? Introduction by the teacher Introducing a case (problem) Video Telling a story Showing/discussing the important variables/concepts Showing the simulation (same case) Students work with the simulation Classroom discussion about what is learned Learning to do calculations on the problem Alternative assessment (what-if)

An example…

Authoring SimQuest simulations

Elements in SimQuest simulations Rules for simulation: F = k * x a = F/m dv/dt = a dx/dt = v One for each level of model progression Simulation models Learner interface Instructional measures Instructional control

What do authors want? No programming: Flexibility in the process Libraries of building blocks (templates) Easy editing (drag and drop) Flexibility in the process Reuse of material Possibility to include existing simulations Create applications in their own language

The SimQuest authoring environment Library Elements Open editor Select from the library Application under development Drag to application

Building a simulation model (1)

Building a simulation model (2)

Building a simulation model (3)

Supporting the author Library content On line help Advice Wizard

Our simulation …

www.simquest.nl j.vandermeij@utwente.nl