Computer-simulated experiments and computer games: a method of design analysis

Jerome J Leary

doi:10.1080/0968776950030106

Abstract

Through the new modularization of the undergraduate science degree at the University of Brighton, larger numbers of students are choosing to take some science modules which include an amount of laboratory practical work. Indeed, within energy studies, the fuels and combustion module, for which the computer simulations were written, has seen a fourfold increase in student numbers from twelve to around fifty. Fitting out additional laboratories with new equipment to accommodate this increase presented problems: the laboratory space did not exist; fitting out the laboratories with new equipment would involve a relatively large capital spend per student for equipment that would be used infrequently; and, because some of the experiments use inflammable liquids and gases, additional staff would be needed for laboratory supervision.DOI:10.1080/0968776950030106

Highlights

Through the new modularization of the undergraduate science degree at the University of Brighton, larger numbers of students are choosing to take some science modules which include an amount of laboratory practical work
Fitting out additional laboratories with new equipment to accommodate this increase presented problems: the laboratory space did not exist; fitting out the laboratories with new equipment would involve a relatively large capital spend per student for equipment that would be used infrequently; and, because some of the experiments use inflammable liquids and gases, additional staff would be needed for laboratory supervision
The option of running a science-based module such as fuels and combustion with students doing fewer practicáis was not desirable from an educational view, since experimentation plays a key role in enabling students to develop science process skills (Gibbs & Jaques, 1990), and a reduction in the amount of experimentation would have a consequential effect on students developing those process skills

Summary

Background

Through the new modularization of the undergraduate science degree at the University of Brighton, larger numbers of students are choosing to take some science modules which include an amount of laboratory practical work. Within energy studies, the fuels and combustion module, for which the computer simulations were written, has seen a fourfold increase in student numbers from twelve to around fifty. It was initially planned to develop eight computer-simulated experiments in the field of fuels and combustion. This phase is complete and the simulations are currently being tested on second-year energy studies students. 1. Structured questions with associated graphics.The learner views the simulation, answers specific questions. These can be either drill-and-practice or tutorial type exercises. Nature of situation presented I.I Specific problems each requiring a particular answer

Complex real-world problem that takes new directions inresponse to inprt"

H H Condition i l l Optional

Conclusions