Judith Effken

Computer Simulation in Learning Judith Effken

Computer simulations are increasingly recognized as educational tools that facilitate students' learning in a safe environment. However, the way in which the simulations are used can have considerable impact on learning outcomes. Some have argued that exploratory learning is an effective strategy for lear­ning new materials; but others have expressed concern that allowing free ex­ploration may result in less efficient, or even inaccurate, learning and there­fore encourage more guided exploration. The purpose of this work is to com­pare learning outcomes of students using an interactive computer simulation designed to teach fundamentals of oxygenation management under two ex­ploratory learning methods (free versus guided exploration). This book is ad­dressed to health professionals such as nurses and doctors who are planning to use computer simulation in clinical as well as educators using interactive simulations as part of their educational process.