LERN Article

	Virtual Tour

Interactive Simulations

Interactive simulations are animations with dynamic movement in which the learner has involvement and input, often controlling or manipulating the simulation for a desired effect or outcome.

Interactive simulations are positive online learning experiences for at least two reasons:
1) When a learner is involved, more learning occurs.
2) There are actually some things, such as science experiments, which you can do better in cyberspace than in physical reality.

Interactive simulations are an example of the incredible potential for enhanced learning online.

The following examples are provided by Kathy Konicek, Learning Technology Consultant, Department of Information Technology, University of Wisconsin-Madison. They were originally presented at the 17th Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning.

The examples provide varying levels of interactivity.

NOTE: Some of these interactive simulations may work better with a broadband (cable, DSL) connection. And some may require a plug-in.

1. Phonetic examples.
This is not a simulation, but a dynamic model with a collection and classification of sounds and articulations. Low level of interactivity. It was done by the Departments of Spanish and Portuguese, Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University of Iowa.

Go to: http://www.uiowa.edu/~acadtech/phonetics

2. Relative humidity and your home.
This interactive simulation allows the user to vary several sets of weather related data to see the effect on the relative humidity. It was produced by the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

It has a rather high degree of interactivity.

Go to: http://Profhorn.meteor.wisc.edu/wxwise/museum/a7/a7exercise1.html

3. Virtual Labs.
Explore a biology lab and do a virtual experiment with blood antigens and other biology processes. It's from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Just click here and go to http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/vlabs/