Animations and Simulations

Animations and simulations bring classroom content ‘alive’ with virtual experiences. Animations and simulations can be used to enable students to conduct experiments that are not possible or too expensive to do in the classroom. They can also be used to allow students to see mathematical and science equations in motion.

This is an animated simulation of base ten blocks. It enables students to create numbers using ‘virtual’ base ten blocks. This simulation could be useful in classrooms in which not all students can access concrete resources. However, I am unsure of how effective the virtual simulation of base ten blocks compared to being able to touch and experiment with concrete materials. Simulations and animations present many opportunities for teachers to investigate.

INFOGRPAHICS

The clip below is an infographic video. According to Wikipedia infographics, or information graphics, are visual representations of information, data or knowledge. There is not a wide range of infographics videos available online. However, as with most items on the internet, the number could grow exponentially in the future.

I think that infographics present many possibilities for education. Creating an infographic video could be a highly innovative and effective learning experience for upper primary students. This activity aligns with Kearsley and Schneiderman’s Engagement theory which suggests that students need to create, collaborate and communicate their learning (1999). Infographics are an inventive means of communicating stories and information.