COMPUTER SIMULATION BLENDED LEARNING

EDUCATIONAL PODCASTS

PRESENTED BY ANCY.A.R NATURAL SCIENCE CHRIST NAGAR

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION THIRUVALLAM

COMPUTER SIMULATION

Computer simulation is the use of a computer to represent the dynamic responses of one system by the behaviour of another system modeled after it.

A simulation uses a mathematical description, or model, of a real system in the form of a computer program.

This model is composed of equations that duplicate the functional relationships within the real system.

When the program is run, the resulting mathematical dynamics form an analog of the behaviour of the real system, with the results presented in the form of data.

A simulation can also take the form of a computer-graphics image that represents dynamic processes in an animated sequence.

Computer simulations have become a useful part of mathematical modeling of many natural systems in physics, astrophysics, chemistry, biology, climatology, psychology, social science, etc

USES

Computer simulations are used to study the dynamic behaviour of objects or systems in response to conditions that cannot be easily or safely applied in real life.

Simulations are especially useful in enabling observers to measure and predict how the functioning of an entire system may be affected by altering individual components within that system.

Simulations have great military applications also.

Many uses for a computer simulation can be found within various scientific fields of study such as meteorology, physical sciences,etc .

BLENDED LEARNING

The term ‘blended learning’ is generally applied to the practice of using both online and in-person learning experiences when teaching students.

In a blended- learning course, students might attend a class taught by a teacher in a traditional classroom setting, while also independently completing online components of the course outside of the classroom.

In this case, online and in-person learning experiences are parallel and complement to one another.

Blended learning has already produced an offshoot – the flipped classroom-that has quickly beecome a distinct approach of its own.

MODELS Blended learning can generally be classified into 6 models. They are:-

1)Face- to –face driver : where the teacher drives the instruction and augments with digital tools.2)Rotation: students cycle through a schedule of independent online study and face-to-face classroom time.3)Flex : Most of the curriculum is delivered via a digital platform and teachers are available for face- to-face consultation and support.4)Labs : All of the curriculum is delivered via a digital platform but in a consistent physical location. Students usually take traditional classes in this model as well.

5) Self-blend : Students choose to augment their traditional learning with online course work.

6) Online driver : students complete an entire course through an online platform with possible teacher check-ins. All curriculum and teaching is delivered via a digital platform and face-to-face meetings are scheduled or made available if necessary.

ADVANTAGESBlended learning is more effective than purely face-to-face or purely online classes.Students can work on their own with new concepts.Support individual students who may need individualized attention.Teachers can streamline their instructions to help all students reach their full potential.The use of information and communication technologies have been found to improve student attitudes towards learning.It reduce educational expenses.Student logins and work times are also measured to ensure accountability.Students with special talents or interests outside of the available curricula, use educational technology to advance their skills.It is one of the most effective ways for personalized learning.

Disadvantages

Blended learning has a strong dependence on the technical resources or tools. These tools need to be reliable, easy to use and up to date.

Use of lecture recording technologies can result in students falling behind on the materials

Effective feedback is more time-consuming when electronic media are used.

Many students do not have pervasive and ubiquitous access to the internet.

EDUCATIONAL PODCASTS

For education, educational podcasts provides another way of

sharing and publishing both audio and video for teaching and

learning in schools, colleges and at home.

The technology infrastructure for creating and distributing

podcasts is evolving rapidly.

As well as just audio-only podcasts, there are currently two

other forms of podcast available- enhanced podcasts and video

podcasts.

Audio podcasts: As well as providing broadcast audio for public access, children and young people are able to record, produce and publish on the Internet podcasts of their very own using basic software.

Enhanced podcasts: Enhanced podcasts may include chapter marks, images that change at predetermined times when the podcast is played and hyperlinks to websites.

Video podcasts: Vodcasts are the very latest in podcasting and provide a full visual and audio experience for the user.

EDUCATIONAL USES OF PODCASTS

1)Ease of accessibility: Podcasts enable students to access the information any time they want. Students can download the information to the device of their choice and listen or watch whenever they are free.

2)Archive of lessons: Staff can record their classes and upload it online, creating an archive of lessons. This allows students to access previous lectures for reference and clarification on a subject or to stimulate learning of the same.

3)Updates: Students subscribing to a particular podcast will be notified if there is an update. A major advantage of podcasting is that student who have subscribed will be sent information constantly.

4) Learning on the go: With podcasting, learning is no longer a sedentary activity. As every lesson can be downloaded on their iPod or MP3 player, students can attend to it even when they are away from their study table.

5) Creative learning: Podcasting gives way to new strategies like guest lectures, interviews, video demonstrations, etc. It encourages students to develop their own podcasts, improve their listening skills and enhances learning by targeting each child’s interest.

Problems of podcasting

If not monitored, podcasting can be misused by its users.

Students may not pay attention in class to a lecture as they feel the material is already available elsewhere.

They may also try to prepare for an exam based on the podcasted material alone.

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