Diffusion of Simulations within the Classroom

Simulations within the ClassroomTitle Page 1Jason E. AmyDiffusion and Integration of Educational TechnologyEDUC 7101-2Walden UniversityMay 22, 2011

IntroductionGreetings

Overview

Need

Limited Amount of Equipment

2 Basic Needs

Lack of equipment available

4Research

Computer program written to model real lifeHistory of the Simulation1st simulations introduced:1st simulations used in the classroom:Popular sims of today

5Research Findings 1

Bayrack (2008):Many abstract ideas become more tangibleOwn pace, control, answers, and feedbackKelly, Bradley, Gratch(2008):EngagesSee consequences

Research Findings 2

Adams, Reid, Lemaster, McKagan, Perkins, Dubson, et. al. (2008):Highly engagingEasy to introducePuzzles or clues

Shifflet, Brown (2006 ):Opportunities

Research Findings 3

Sahin (2006):Supplementary

Eskrootchi, Oskrochi (2010):Real life trainingGains

Development

Problems for developers Bugs in coding

Problems for potential audience Easy of useInterest

Commercialization

Free sims PhETCommercials sims www.explorelearning.com (Gizmos)

The Innovation-Decision Process2002200520072008201012345Knowledge4. ImplementationPersuasion5. ConfirmationDecisionHistory of PhET Simulations found at: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/about/newsTimeline of I-D Process for PhET Simulation Usage

Communication Channels

Interpersonal ChannelsImpactHistory of PhET Simulations found at: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/about/news

Adopter Categories Part 1Innovators math and science teachers who are also technically adept with their computersEarly adopters primarily math and science teachers as most simulations are in these two subjects

Strategies for adoptingA professional workshop to introduce teachers to different simulations and their usesA demonstration of how simulations can be used in the classroom

Adopter Categories Part 2Laggards will most likely be: the teachers who are not comfortable with using computers (often many of the older teachers) those in English and Social Studies because of the smaller amount of sims available

Strategies for Laggards to AdoptPeer pressure from other teachers in their departments who have already adoptedMaking sure to find simulations specific to English and Social Studies

Perceived AttributesRelative advantageIf the simulation can be shown to be better than what it replaces. For example, simulations in science may offer more ways to manipulate objects with a sim.TrialabilityGiven the chance to try the product before having to purchase it. Example: www.explorelearning gives a sample before purchase

Perceived Attributes contd

ObservabilityTeachers who see other teachers using simulations will be more likely to adopt them for themselves

Centralized or De-centralized?

De-centralizedHorizontal FlowTarget math and science departmentsSpread out to other departments

Key Change Agents

Roles ofTargetingLinking

Key Change Agents

7 roles of a change agentDevelop a needEstablish info exchangeDiagnose problemsIntent to changeIntent changes to actionStabilize adoptionTerminal relationship

Critical MassDefinitionDiffusion becomes self-sustainingStrategy for attaining:Target departments who tend to be more innovative

Champion

Characteristics:Well respected teacher

A. Defining the need

B. Matching innovation

Examples of Simulations 11. Bennett, J. (2011). PhET award winner video. MERLOT. Retrieved from http://taste.merlot.org/Videos/Phet_Flash8.html2. NRCScienceGamesSims. (2009). PhET interactive simulations. Youtube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE9jj0qiifE

Examples of Simulations 23. ELGizmos. (2010). Introduction to ExploreLearning Gizmos. Youtube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN5TMkYJuRQ4. ELGizmos. (2011). Teachers on the impact of Gizmos. Youtube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52wqisHP47I

Examples of Simulations 15.Secondlife25. (2007). Training simulations in Second Life. Youtube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJTzNSV8pb06. J0esanchez. (2007). Education in Second Life. Youtube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R1SrZua5ww&feature=related

Conclusion

Summary