Interactive simulations can expand student learning by providing a tangible way for them to interact with and understand difficult concepts. Numerous simulations and animations can be found on the Internet to illustrate key STEM principles.
In a hybrid context, one of the basic assumptions is that activity that can be online, will be, thus freeing up space to de-densify the campus. Instructional activity that involves large numbers of students, and requires real-time interaction (e.g. music, dance, theatre rehearsals, laboratory) would benefit from being able to distribute the activity to a number of rooms, and allow for synchronous activity that is also socially-distanced. Hard-wired connectivity could address sound quality and latency issues in performance instruction to make this effective.
Simulation Libraries
- Labster
- PBS Sim Bucket
- PhET: Interactive, research-based simulations of physical phenomena (University of Colorado)
- Explore Learning: Premier collection of teaching simulations for science and math
- Molecular Workbench: Concord Consortium resources for molecular modeling & simulations
- Brainpop - Animated films on a variety of topics Elementary & Middle School
Simulations by Discipline
Animation Directories
- Merlot: A collection of high quality interactive online learning materials sponsored by the CSU
- Design Simulation: Makers of Interactive Physics construction software
- Logal: Makers of the Explorer series of simulated experiments
- Computer
- Access to simulation software
- Simulation authoring software (optional)