Lessons Learned from Using a Web-based Interactive Landform Simulation Model (WILSIM) in a General Education Physical Geography Course

Abstract

This paper presents the results of testing a Web-based Interactive Landform Simulation Model (WILSIM) in a general education physical geography course. The goal was to determine whether the simulation exercise improved students' scores on tests administered before and after the exercise. Although the mean of post-test scores were slightly higher than that of the pre-test, the difference was not statistically significant. Further analysis of the tests questions suggests that the specifics of the design of the questions are very important to accurate assessment of student learning. Questionnaire results, however, strongly showed that students felt that WILSIM helped them learn. They particularly liked its capability to visualize and animate landform evolution processes, its interactiveness in exploring different scenarios, and its ease of use. We also conclude that more preparation work such as instructor-led introductions, demonstrations, better questions, and simulation scenarios designed with specific objectives in mind and in the context of real world landforms would help in achieving the full potential of WILSIM.