An analysis of simSchool, an instructional simulation for preservice teachers, using an instructional design framework grounded in the Model-Centered Instructional Theory
Abstract: How does an Instructional designer design a valid and effective instructional simulation? The following paper explores this question by examining the simulation evaluation literature, followed by an evaluation of an instructional simulation, simSchool. simSchool is a web-based simulation designed to emulate various students to provide practice for preservice teachers in instructional planning, assessment and communication activities. This paper uses a framework to analyze the simulation, according to the simulation’s instructional goals and design models. The framework for designing a simulation approach to instruction, based on the Model-Centered Instructional Theory, provides a detailed model for dissecting the seven functional layers of a simulation. When combined with user testing, results indicated that simSchool does provide a valid model of a simulated environment for preservice teachers to practice instructional activities.