1. 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

2. 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

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

4. Inquiry based learning environment

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

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

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

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

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

10. 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?

11. 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

12. 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)

13. An example…

14. Authoring SimQuest simulations

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. Building a simulation model (1)

19. Building a simulation model (2)

20. Building a simulation model (3)

21. Supporting the author
Library content
On line help
Advice
Wizard

22. Our simulation …