Simulations are for real

Animation Simulations allows a learner the opportunity to get a virtual hands-on experience in order to learn about a specific topic or event. As I conducted research on the internet I discovered many types of animated simulations, everything from science to PE. I was fascinated at the variety of simulations that were available, as I thought more about the topic and started looking at what my students were doing and there interest I found that AS were everywhere. On e of the most common simulations that can be found in many homes now days is the WI and WI fit. Many schools are using the WI and other “video games” as a way to get students to participate in physical education activities.
As a business teacher there are numerous types of AS that we can use to teach a variety of concepts. Some of these simulations include the SimCity games, reality town, and the virtual business challenge. The virtual business challenge is a great AS, the following is a description of the what this simulation does.
The FBLA VBC contains two qualifying rounds called Challenge 1 (Oct. 27 - Nov. 21) and Challenge 2 (Feb. 9 - Mar. 6). During Challenge 1, students will be able to manage Hire Employees, Supervise Employees and Compensate Employees. During Challenge 2, students will be able to manage Sales Management, Fleet Management and Workflow Management.
Simulations are very beneficial for learners and can provide a unique hands on opportunity for a learning experience. Additionally these simulations live application of a topic versus the theoretical experiences students usually get in an educational setting.
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Simulations have been a growing part of the military and one aspect is the Air Force's "My Base".  MyBase is a virtual world in Second Life and is an effort by the Air Education and Training Command.  It is supposed to educate people about the Air Force and to provide information about Air Force life and careers to potential recruits. The Air Force's future plans to develop virtual worlds for training, learning, and performance include acquiring secure domains for Airmen to receive training.

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Any opinions expressed here, except as specifically noted, are those of the individual authors or commenters and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences, the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, or Utah State University.