11.127 / 11.252 Computer Games and Simulations for Investigation and Education, Spring 2005

Abstract

Project-based subject in which students from multiple disciplines are encouraged to develop and investigate systems and ideas from their fields of study as they explore the process of building and testing models and simulations. Explores various modeling software packages, criteria for developing the most appropriate simulation for a given situation, and methods for evaluating the success and utility of models. Students with an education focus consider what and how people learn from simulations, and how modeling tools can be implemented in public school settings. Graduate students are expected to complete additional assignments. From the course home page: Course Description This course will explore educational games and simulations and several computer modeling platforms. We will focus on design and research issues pertinent to learning through simulations and games. Throughout the course we will explore concepts in modeling, simulation, and gaming common to many domains, and investigate specific applications from a variety of fields ranging from weather to ecology to traffic management.