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Analysis of a Simulation* |
Content Area:______________________ Instructional Level____________________
1. What is the instructional objective of this simulation?
2. How might this simulation be used?
3. Can you restart the simulation if you are headed in a wrong direction and/or save an intermediate solution to the simulation for continuing another day?
4. With what age level(s) could this simulation be used effectively?
5. Could this information be conveyed in another form just as effectively?
6. Which does this simulation use, probabilistic or deterministic models?
7. Is this a single-step(input/output) or multistep (interactive) simulation?
8. Is this a zero-sum, or non-zero-sum simulation?
9. Is this simulation intended for solving problems, training?
10. Identify some of the choices and consequences:
Choices: | Consequences:
11. Are feedback techniques effective? Do they provide motivation?
12. Is there feedback on overall performance?
13. How valid is the simulation?
14. How effect is the use of graphics?
15. What content can be learned from work with this simulation?
16. What support materials can enhance the simulation?
17. How can the effects of the simulation be evaluated?
18. What changes can you suggest to make this simulation more effective?
19. Identify, if you can, an underlying model(s) for this simulation. What are the key variables? How are different values for the variables treated? Can you identify some assumptions made?
20. What is the overall quality of the simulation?
* Adapted from pp. 249-250, J. L. Flake, C. E. McClintock, & S. V. Turner (1990). Fundamentals of Computer Education. 2nd ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company.
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