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International Journal of Science Education
written by Lara Kathleen Smetana and Randy L. Bell
Researchers have explored the effectiveness of computer simulations for supporting science teaching and learning for decades. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive, critical review of the literature on the impact of computer simulations on science teaching and learning from early uses in the 1970s through 2010, with the goal of summarizing what is currently known and providing guidance for future research. We report on the outcomes of 61 empirical studies dealing with the efficacy of, and implications for, computer simulations in science instruction. The overall findings suggest that simulations can be as effective, and in many ways more effective, than traditional (i.e. lecture-based, textbook-based and/or physical hands-on) instructional practices in promoting science content knowledge, developing process skills, and facilitating conceptual change. As with any other educational tool, the effectiveness of computer simulations is dependent upon the ways in which they are used. Thus, we outline specific research-based guidelines for best practice. Computer simulations are most effective when they (a) are used as supplements; (b) incorporate high-quality support structures; (c) encourage student reflection; and (d) promote cognitive dissonance. Used appropriately, computer simulations involve students in inquiry-based, authentic science explorations. Additionally, as educational technologies continue to evolve, advantages such as flexibility, safety, and efficiency deserve attention.
International Journal of Science Education: Volume 34, Issue 9, Pages 1337-1370
Subjects Levels Resource Types
Education - Applied Research
- Active Learning
= Inquiry Learning
= Modeling
- Instructional Material Design
= Simulation
- Technology
= Multimedia
Education - Basic Research
- Learning Theory
= Representations
- Research Design & Methodology
= Literature
General Physics
- Physics Education Research
- Scientific Reasoning
- Graduate/Professional
- Middle School
- High School
- Lower Undergraduate
- Upper Undergraduate
- Professional Development
- Reference Material
= Report
PER-Central Type Intended Users Ratings
- PER Literature
- Professional/Practitioners
- Administrators
- Researchers
- Educators
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© 2011 Informa UK, Ltd.
DOI:
10.1080/09500693.2011.605182
Keywords:
cognitive dissonance, inquiry learning, process of inquiry
Record Creator:
Metadata instance created September 15, 2022 by Lauren Bauman
Record Updated:
December 10, 2022 by Caroline Hall
Last Update
when Cataloged:
August 9, 2011
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Record Link
AIP Format
L. Smetana and R. Bell, , Int. J. Sci. Educ. 34 (9), 1337 (2011), WWW Document, (https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2011.605182).
AJP/PRST-PER
L. Smetana and R. Bell, Computer Simulations to Support Science Instruction and Learning: A critical review of the literature, Int. J. Sci. Educ. 34 (9), 1337 (2011), <https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2011.605182>.
APA Format
Smetana, L., & Bell, R. (2011, August 9). Computer Simulations to Support Science Instruction and Learning: A critical review of the literature. Int. J. Sci. Educ., 34(9), 1337-1370. Retrieved December 14, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2011.605182
Chicago Format
Smetana, Lara Kathleen, and Randy L. Bell. "Computer Simulations to Support Science Instruction and Learning: A critical review of the literature." Int. J. Sci. Educ. 34, no. 9, (August 9, 2011): 1337-1370, https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2011.605182 (accessed 14 December 2024).
MLA Format
Smetana, Lara Kathleen, and Randy L. Bell. "Computer Simulations to Support Science Instruction and Learning: A critical review of the literature." Int. J. Sci. Educ. 34.9 (2011): 1337-1370. 14 Dec. 2024 <https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2011.605182>.
BibTeX Export Format
@article{ Author = "Lara Kathleen Smetana and Randy L. Bell", Title = {Computer Simulations to Support Science Instruction and Learning: A critical review of the literature}, Journal = {Int. J. Sci. Educ.}, Volume = {34}, Number = {9}, Pages = {1337-1370}, Month = {August}, Year = {2011} }
Refer Export Format

%A Lara Kathleen Smetana %A Randy L. Bell %T Computer Simulations to Support Science Instruction and Learning: A critical review of the literature %J Int. J. Sci. Educ. %V 34 %N 9 %D August 9, 2011 %P 1337-1370 %U https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2011.605182 %O application/pdf

EndNote Export Format

%0 Journal Article %A Smetana, Lara Kathleen %A Bell, Randy L. %D August 9, 2011 %T Computer Simulations to Support Science Instruction and Learning: A critical review of the literature %J Int. J. Sci. Educ. %V 34 %N 9 %P 1337-1370 %8 August 9, 2011 %U https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2011.605182


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The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual.

The AJP/PRST-PER presented is based on the AIP Style with the addition of journal article titles and conference proceeding article titles.

The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References.

The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation.

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