Simulations are a great way to explain ideas in sciences. ³

Simulations make learning by adding three stages that are tightly knitted:

1. They have static pictures to visualize the idea
2. They show motion pictures that explain the whole process with spatial and temporal movement of interacting objects
3. They give more control to students so they can interact with the phenomena in more duplex mode like in video games. They can change the variables to see different outcomes

This three level approach helps not only to memorize the idea in long term memory more efficiently but also develops the analytical and critical thinking. The added realism has a positive impact on learning and teaching both.²

This helps in reducing class time as students would now contact teacher to explain why and how rather than what is this.

For example, in Physics while explaining Fleming’s left hand rule to explain how force acts on a current carrying wire when placed in a magnetic field is rather difficult by just showing a static picture. Students learn quickly what how force is produced and be also able to apply it in variety of situations.

In biological science, simulations are doing wonders.¹

However, it is not a wonder aid. You need fast internet connection and it needs to be constantly updated all the time that is a costly business.⁴ There is always a room for error, like a badly designed simulation may do more damage.

References:

1. https://www.usa.edu/blog/simulation-in-education/

2. Use of simulation in a teacher education program by James and Dallas, https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED490383.pdf

3. University of New South Wales, Sydney

https://www.teaching.unsw.edu.au/simulations#:~:text=Why%20use%20simulations%3F,activity%20more%20enthusiastically%20and%20interactively.

4. University of Albany

https://knilt.arcc.albany.edu/Unit_2:_Advantages_and_disadvantages_of_simulation_in_the_classroom%3F#:~:text=There%20is%20always%20room%20for,and%20updates%20can%20be%20costly.