SIMULATION SOFTWARE FUNCTIONS

WHAT IS SIMULATION.

Simulation is a computerized model of a real or imagined system that is designed to teach how the system works according to Roblyer.D.M.(2006,p. 88).

Main Types of Simulation.

. Those that Teach about something.
. Physical and Iterative.

. Those that Teach how to do something.
. Procedural and Situational.

Benefits of Simulation
. Compress time or slow down processes.
. Get students involved.
. Make experiments safe.
. Allow repetitons with variations.
. Allows for observation of complex processes.


Limitions and Problems Related to Simulation.


. Accuracy of models.
. Misuse of simulations.


Criteria for Selection Good Simulations

. Realistic and accurate representation of a system.
. Good docimentation to explain systems characteristics and uses.

Use of Simulation in Teaching

. As supplements to lab experiments.
. Supplements to field trips.
. Introduction or clarification of a new topic.
. Ecouraging cooperation and group work.

As a teacher I would use simulation software because it mimics realistic and accurate representations of natural processes. it can be used to futher help a teacher in the classroom.It helps with problem solving and promotes group work which is one characteristics of constructivsim, also scaffolding between students who are more knowledgeable than others. examples of simulation software programs are Sims city 3000,Virtual labs: Electricity and Oregon trail.

MIRCOSOFT PAINT

What is Mircosoft paint?
According to wikipedia, It is a simple graphic program. MS paint has been installed in all versions of Mircosoft windows. It is refered to as MS paint, paint and mircosoft paint. the program opens and saves as windows bitmap.


Benefits of Mircosoft paint:
It allows you to create you own shapes.
Use text in drawing.
You can create your own colours.
Colouring within the lines are easier.
The option to spray paint is there.
Flip and stretching pictures.
You can inverse colours.

Benefits for teachers:
Teachers can intergrate the use of MS paint in the curriculum and also classroom activities.An art class lesson can focus on the use of MS paint. Creating wallpapers and helping to expose children who are not familiar to paint the opporunity to get engage and children who already know about it challenging them.
Crossword puzzles can also be done on MS paint.Again the teacher can use these to futher engage their students in Mircosoft paint program.

I believe that Mircosoft paint can prove successful to a teacher if they understand the features and components of the program. It can also benefit the students because they can use it to create wonderful works of art encouraged by pparents and teachers.

Educational Technology is a combination of a series of changes and tools involved in adressing educational needs and problems, with an emphasis on applying the most currenttools:computersand other electronic technologies.
According to (seels and richey< 1994. P1) it can also be defined as "theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management and evaluation of processes and resources for learning".

What is educational technology and its importance to us as prospective teachers?