Lesson 19: Simulation Instructional Games

Molina, Arlette C. III-BAT-ATE

Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry

Guinobatan, Albay

Lesson 19: SIMULATION

INSTRUCTIONALGAMES

Educational GamesEducational games are games that have been specifically designed to teach people about a certain subject, expand concepts, reinforce development, understand a historical event of culture, or assist them in learning a skill as they play. This includes board, card and video games.

Simulation is the imitation of some real thing, state of affairs, or process. The act of simulating something generally entails representing certain key characteristics or behaviors of a selected physical or abstract system.

SIMULATIONS

Flight SimulatorsThey were among the first education simulators created. There were created back in the 1940’s to help teach men how to fly planes during the war.

Pros of Educational Games and Simulations

• Improves analytic skills and decision making skills• Improves communication,

problem solving skills, and alertness.• Improves mathematics, spelling

and reading grades. • Children love games and won't

even realize that they are learning.

• Real life problems can be taught using games. • Fun and excitement will

encourage children to learn to their best ability.• Provides real-world contexts.

Cont.

Cons of Simulation Instructional Games

Doesn’t always promote social skills and interaction with others.

Kids who spend too much time playing games can develop bad posture and RSI (repetitive strain injury), eye strains, headaches, wrist, neck and back pains, etc.

Less active than other activities.Requires technology which might not be

available or accessible.

Lack of computers might prohibit whole group instruction.

Safety issues concerning the internet.

Can be difficult to monitor and assess progress.

Cont.

Frogutshttp://dissect.froguts.com/welcome.htmlFroguts is subscription-based software that students can use to simulate dissecting several different animals, including frogs, fetal pigs, squids, and starfish.

Chucky’s Chicken Stacker http://pbskids.org/lions/games/stacker.htmlIn Chucky’s Chicken Stacker, students identify words that have a specific vowel sound (e.g., short a). It takes 5 correct words to win the game. Students can select the speed at which the words are shown and choose between two levels of difficulty.