Teaching and Learning Technology Resource

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Simview (PC) Simulation Software used in the teaching of Computer Applications: Simulation 450.333

Extend (PC) Simulation Software used in the teaching of Computer
Applications : Simulation 450.333

The use of simulation in this course is designed to enable students to develop:

• The skills and confidence to apply simulation in order to assist management decisions
• An understanding of where and when simulation is applicable
• Sufficient knowledge to interpret and judge the work of specialised analysts
• A capacity to abstract from a vaguely perceived situation a well defined and tractable problem, to specify an appropriate model and simulate it.

DESCRIPTION OF INNOVATION:

Extend and Simview are icon based software packages for the development of dynamic models of complex systems. Students can use the model to test the impact of organizational change, what if scenarios, prototyping designs, and analyzing equipment changes. Both packages provide built in blocks for modeling, with the ability to program your own if required.

REASONS FOR DEVELOPMENT/INTRODUCTION OF THE INNOVATION:

To aid the study of real world problems for which analytical solutions are impractical or impossible.

TEACHING/LEARNING AIMS:

• Ability to be flexible and adapt to different software applications
• Ability to evaluate and compare different software in terms of their application for different problems
• Develop skills in problem solving
• Evaluate the different forms of animation and other aspects of presentation

DESIGN PRINCIPLES:

The computer simulation provides a realistic dynamic model which allows the student to explore the system being modelled. This is a learning environment which enables students to develop an understanding of different systems, for problem solving,and for developing and testing alternative solutions.

USE:

Weekly 2 hour tutorials using Extend for 10 tutorials and one session with Simview.

STUDENT SUPPORT:

Worksheets are provided which:

• Introduce Extend and SimView and access to demonstration models
• Give instructions on accessing on line tutorials
• Set out instructions to develop models of the problems set at each session.

Students are expected to work through developing the models and problem solving, but a tutor is available at each tutorial to discuss problems as they arise.

ASSESSMENT:

Two assignments (15%, 25% of final mark)

ENABLERS TO DEVELOPING INNOVATION:

Availability of existing PC teaching lab

Use of the Web and Internet for quick sources of help and information about the software.

COST/BENEFITS:

Time: n/a

Costs: (Simview) initially high for licenses ($4000 in 1994), now free if guaranteed educational use only.

Costs : 1996 Extend Lab Licenses for 12 stations $2909 with annual renewal fee of $400

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