Transcript Presentation Slides

Developing Content Simulations
Ruth Thomas, Colin Milligan,
SCROLLA, JeLSIM Partnership
End to End
Specify
Simulation
Write
Model
Create
Interfaces
Save to
Web
Deliver
Learning
Repositories
Our exemplar
• X is a physics lecturer at University Y with an
interest in astronomy. She has an interest in
the public understanding of science.
• She has noticed that both the general public,
and her first year undergraduates have
alternative conceptions about the the way in
which the sun behaves
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Seasonally
Diurnally
At different latitudes and longitudes.
Does she need a simulation?
• Misconceptions?
• Build understanding
• Exploration /investigation/problem
solving
• Complex system
• Need visualisation before the
mathematics?
• To breed familiarity with system
One model many visualisations
Maximising usage
• Where can she use it?
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Lecture
Laboratory exercise
Tutorial
Self study
Online learning
Assessment
• (diagnostic, formative, self test, summative)
• Can she use it at more than one level?
What is out there already?
• A solar geometry calculator
It’s not suitable as it stands
• It was designed for use in building
engineering.
• Single shot calculator
• Uses technical terms
• Dry
• Not visual
• Could use sliders for exploration?
Reuse the algorithm
• Increase flexibility
• With a small amount of programming
– Place the algorithm in a loop and repeatedly
calculate
– Store output of calculation to show it
graphically.
– Use it to look at the behaviour of a sundial.
– Mimic reality
Simulations
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Exploration with a single graph
Focussed investigation
Mimic reality
Assessment
Save to web
Specify
Simulation
Write
Model
Create
Interfaces
Save to
Web
Deliver
Learning
Repositories
Delivery: Simulations online
• One-click ‘save to web’
• Save as Content Package
– All files bundled up for easy sharing
– Place in repositories
• Metadata aids discovery
• Easily previewed
Delivery: Context
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Simulations don’t exist in isolation:,
Provide clear objectives,
Encourage reflection,
Reuse throughout the learning process.