Microworlds/ Simulations by Mathew Puig

Microworlds/ Simulations by Mathew Puig 

In researching these two instructional theories I learned a lot about the core principles of this class: educational theory and how technology can help integrate learning to these theories. Microworlds fall into the category of the cogintivism domain specifically within the inquiry based learning theories. One of the first educators to use Microworlds was Papert, one of the world's premiere experts on using technology to provide new ways to learn "felt that education ought to provide "rich, motivational environments to foster cognitive growth, and he felt that computers could make possible such environments...students were able to work in microworlds, or self-contained environments with orderly action" (Dabbagh, 2006)

Microworlds and Simulations are heavily reliant on the most up to date technology, mainly computer software "In Microworlds, students test 'What do you think will happen if...they resemble existing problems in the real world. Learners generate hypotheses as they use their knowledge and skill to guess what will happen, try out those guesses, and reformulate them based on the results of their actions within the Microworld" (Dabbagh, 2006) Microworlds allow students to become much more engaged in the learning process by actually being able to manipulate and interact with everyday real world problems. This makes learning much more interesting and exciting. 

"Simulations are similar to Microworlds in that they are experiential and model reality. Simulations range from models that mirror the simplified essence of reality to elaborate synthetic environments. Microworlds differ from simulations in that Microworlds are structured to match the user's cognitive level so that it is appropriate to the users needs and level of experience"(Dabbagh, 2006). Simulations are just as useful as Microworlds but can be catered to a much more specific learner. 

Check out this link that documents the use of Microworlds in learning a scientific concept by clicking HERE It summarizes the need for careful parameters to beset for Microworlds to be most successful. If done carefully it can be  an extremely successful educational theory.

 A practical application of this Microworld/simulation learning theory would be something I have actually already incorporated into my own lesson plans. When students were learning about 3D geometries and shapes and structure I integrated the use of a free 3D Molecular Viewing and building software available through google. The lesson included the use of the same concepts involved in Microworlds and simulations.  I also found the same positive results when implemented in student teaching. Thus giving further credit to these learning theories.

Reference

Dabbagh,, N. (2006, June 1). Theories for Developing Instructional Prototypes. Retrieved June 9, 2016.