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A Study of Educational Simulations Part II - Interface Design

by C. E. Wieman; K. K. Perkins; M. Dubson; R. LeMaster; S. B. McKagan; S. Reid; W. K. Adams

Aug 17, 2008
  • Computers and Technology
  • Education and Literacy
  • Science

  • DESCRIPTION

Interactive computer simulations with complex representations and sophisticated graphics are a relatively new addition to the classroom, and research in this area is limited. We have conducted over 200 individual student interviews during which the students described what they were thinking as they interacted with simulations. These interviews were conducted as part of the research and design of simulations for the Physics Education Technology (PhET) project. PhET is an ongoing project that has developed over 60 simulations for use in teaching physics, chemistry, and physical science. These interviews are a rich source of information about how students interact with computer simulations and what makes an educationally effective simulation. The interviews demonstrate that the simulation must function intuitively or the student's attention is focused on how to use the simulation rather than on the topic presented. Here we provide guidelines for intuitive interface design developed by this research. These cover layout, tool use, help and representations that we use to create a simulation. We give examples from interviews which demonstrate the effectiveness of each guideline for engaging students in educationally productive interactions.

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A Study of Educational Simulations Part II - Interface Design

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WHAT TO READ NEXT

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Published By

  • Physics Education Research Group at Colorado

Funded By

  • William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
  • National Science Foundation
  • Kavli Foundation
  • University of Colorado

Copyright

  • Copyright 2008 Physics Education Research Group at Colorado. All rights reserved.

Document Type

  • Evaluation
  • Text

Language

  • English
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Title: A Study of Educational Simulations Part II - Interface Design
Publication date 2008-08-17
Publication Year 2008
Authors C. E. Wieman , K. K. Perkins , M. Dubson , R. LeMaster , S. B. McKagan , S. Reid , W. K. Adams
Copyright holder(s) Physics Education Research Group at Colorado
Keywords phet , play area , control panel , students , interviews
Document type Evaluation , Text
Language English
URL: https://ofg.crc.issuelab.org/resource/a-study-of-educational-simulations-part-ii-interface-design.html
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