Computer simulations as effective as direct observations in learning

Washington, Feb 12 (ANI): A new research suggests that computer simulations can be just as effective as direct observations in learning some science concepts.

The Ohio State University study led by Associate Professor Kathy Cabe Trundle found students who used computer simulations to learn about moon phases understood the concepts just as well-and in some cases better-than students who learned by collecting data while actually viewing the moon.

Trundle said the study's findings suggest the use of computer simulations in science classes may be an effective and often less expensive and time-consuming way to teach some science concepts.

"These results give us confidence that computer simulations can be effective in the classroom. But now we need to do further study to see if it works in others areas of science," Trundle said.

Trundle conducted the study with Randy Bell, associate professor of science education at the University of Virginia.

Their study appears online in the journal Computers and Education and will be published in a future print edition. (ANI)