This article by Marc Prensky investigates the uses, benefits, and obstacles to using simulations in the classroom. He begins by citing just how useful simulations can be in a classroom setting. That the can help studetns explore different outcomes and can be a way for them to gain real world experiences that would not have otherwise been available to them. The question that he then brings up is “Why aren’t more teachers using simulations?” There are a lot of variables. Funding, time, and assessment practices to mention a few. Marc even goes as far as to suggest some ways in wich we as teachers can “bust through the barriers.”

Forgive me Marc but if some of our obstacles are the assesment driven atmosphere of todays schools and a lack of funding for computers and free software…I just don’t think that not using simulations is our biggest hurdle. I do agree that it can be very useful though. There are programs that help students create 3-D molecules that show bond types, there are dissection simulations, and there are numerous physics trajectory simulations. These are all fun to use and extreamly useful for students. But what about those students who go to a school that doesn’t provide enough computers? Simulations are useful but I think that we have some bigger fish to fry first.

Prensky, Marc. (March 2007) Simulation Nation: The Promise of Virtual Learning Activities. Edutopia. Last accessed June 8, 2008 from http://www.edutopia.org/simulation-nation