Nick Punt EDUC 391X 11/27/2007 Sim Map

Overview Sim Map combines simulations with concept mapping tools to teach and assess subjects Unlike a teach-then-test model, Sim Map uses a simulation with a guided discovery model alongside a concept map to merge learning and the assessment Sim Map technology allows data to pass between simulation and concept map, providing faster assessment feedback and support for failure The goal: deep learning

Starting Version Left side: the simulation Tools: Query, poke, add/remove, play/pause Example: Queried Tree

Starting Version Right side: the concept map Tools: Links, linking labels, concepts, structure Example: Concepts

Starting Version

Starting Version Initially, the simulation is simple, showing only the major concepts and a few relationships

Completed Version As the user defines these concepts and relationships, additional details pop into the simulation

Completed Version Sometimes, these additions require the user to re-make their concept map

Completed Version This continues throughout until the user completes the full concept map.

Different Teaching Methods Sim Map supports different style of teaching and scaffolding within concept mapping Examining Concept Maps as an Assessment Tool, Ruiz-Primo, M., 2004

Different Assessment Methods Other methods of using Sim Map for assessment include Teachable Agents ‘taking a test’ Teachable Agents, www.teachableagents.org

Some Sample Topics Biology How stuff works Stories & Events Ecosystems Body How stuff works Physics Machinery Stories & Events Replacing simulation with text, pictures, and video