2. Simulations within the Classroom

3. Jason E. Amy Diffusion and Integration of Educational Technology EDUC 7101-2 Walden University May 22, 2011

4. Introduction Greetings Overview

5. Need Limited Amount of Equipment

6. Research Computer program written to model real life History of the Simulation – 1 st simulations introduced: – 1 st simulations used in the classroom: – Popular sims of today

7. Research Findings 1 Bayrack (2008): – Many abstract ideas become more tangible – Own pace, control, answers, and feedback Kelly, Bradley, Gratch(2008): – Engages – See consequences

8. Research Findings 2 Adams, Reid, Lemaster, McKagan, Perkins, Dubson, et. al. (2008): – Highly engaging – Easy to introduce – Puzzles or clues Shifflet, Brown (2006 ): – Opportunities

9. Research Findings 3 Sahin (2006): – Supplementary Eskrootchi, Oskrochi (2010): – Real life training – Gains

10. Development Problems for developers – Bugs in coding Problems for potential audience – Easy of use – Interest

11. Commercialization Free sims – PhET Commercials sims – www.explorelearning.com (Gizmos)www.explorelearning.com

12. The Innovation-Decision Process 20022005200720082010 12345 1.Knowledge4. Implementation 2.Persuasion5. Confirmation 3.Decision History of PhET Simulations found at: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/about/news Timeline of I-D Process for PhET Simulation Usage

13. Communication Channels Interpersonal Channels – Impact History of PhET Simulations found at: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/about/news

15. Adopter Categories Part 1 Innovators – math and science teachers who are also technically adept with their computers Early adopters – primarily math and science teachers as most simulations are in these two subjects

16. Strategies for adopting A professional workshop to introduce teachers to different simulations and their uses A demonstration of how simulations can be used in the classroom

17. Adopter Categories Part 2 Laggards will most likely be: – the teachers who are not comfortable with using computers (often many of the older teachers) – those in English and Social Studies because of the smaller amount of sims available

18. Strategies for Laggards to Adopt Peer pressure from other teachers in their departments who have already adopted Making sure to find simulations specific to English and Social Studies

19. Perceived Attributes Relative advantage – If the simulation can be shown to be better than what it replaces. For example, simulations in science may offer more ways to manipulate objects with a sim. Trialability – Given the chance to try the product before having to purchase it. Example: www.explorelearning gives a sample before purchase www.explorelearning

20. Perceived Attributes cont’d Observability – Teachers who see other teachers using simulations will be more likely to adopt them for themselves

21. Centralized or De-centralized? De-centralized – Horizontal Flow Target math and science departments Spread out to other departments

22. Key Change Agents Roles of – Targeting – Linking

23. Key Change Agents 7 roles of a change agent – Develop a need – Establish info exchange – Diagnose problems – Intent to change – Intent changes to action – Stabilize adoption – Terminal relationship

24. Critical Mass Definition – Diffusion becomes self- sustaining Strategy for attaining: – Target departments who tend to be more innovative

25. “Champion” Characteristics: – Well respected teacher A. Defining the need B. Matching innovation

26. Examples of Simulations 1 1. Bennett, J. (2011). PhET award winner video. MERLOT. Retrieved from http://taste.merlot.org/Videos/Phet_Flash8.h tml http://taste.merlot.org/Videos/Phet_Flash8.h tml 2. NRCScienceGamesSims. (2009). PhET interactive simulations. Youtube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE9jj0qiif E http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE9jj0qiif E

27. Examples of Simulations 2 3. ELGizmos. (2010). Introduction to ExploreLearning Gizmos. Youtube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN5TMkYJ uRQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN5TMkYJ uRQ 4. ELGizmos. (2011). Teachers on the impact of Gizmos. Youtube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52wqisHP 47I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52wqisHP 47I

28. Examples of Simulations 1 5.Secondlife25. (2007). Training simulations in Second Life. Youtube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJTzNSV8 pb0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJTzNSV8 pb0 6. J0esanchez. (2007). Education in Second Life. Youtube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R1SrZua 5ww&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R1SrZua 5ww&feature=related

29. Conclusion Summary