Middle level ICT integration

Date:16/04/2024

We studied PhET simulation in this session. What is PhET simulation, I wondered when I heard about the topic? Though I've never heard of a simulation before, it's a brand-new subject to me. It always seemed to me like creating a functional internet model. My tutor explained me that PhET simulations are interactive learning resources created by the University of Colorado Boulder's PhET in Interactive Simulations project after I was given an orientation. These interactive virtual experiments are intended to assist students in exploring and comprehending difficult scientific ideas. PhET simulations encompass a broad spectrum of topics, such as math, physics, chemistry, and biology. Hence, we learned how to construct parallel circuit using PhET simulation.

PhET simulations can improve student engagement, encourage active learning, and strengthen conceptual knowledge of scientific subjects when they are included into actual teaching and learning. The purpose of learning simulation on electric circuit is to realize the importance of the electric circuit and its parts in real world environment. Modern technology, such as PhET simulation, makes learning more enjoyable and easier. Students participate in risk-free, hands-on virtual experiments. However, in a traditional classroom, all the science experiments need to be conducted in a laboratory, which carries risks. Students must handle all of the materials required for that specific experiment, and occasionally there is a lack of equipment or a suitable laboratory setup, making it impossible to conduct the experiment as intended. Besides that it was more of rote learning and teacher centered. Some schools in Bhutan don't even have enough labs or equipment, which has a big impact on the educational experience of children. So, given that modern technology has advanced, we now have access to a wide variety of information. Students are able to visualize abstract scientific concepts that are challenging to understand through standard teaching techniques with the use of superior PhET simulation. Students are able to visualize scientific phenomena, detect cause-and-effect linkages, and draw links between theory and practical applications. Students are very engaged in PhET simulations because they can interact with virtual models and carry out experiments in a secure setting. Students' interest and enthusiasm in learning scientific concepts can be heightened by this practical method.

PhET simulations are accessible from any device with an internet connection and are freely available online. This accessibility promotes learning through repetition and lets students investigate scientific ideas at their own pace outside of the classroom. PhET simulations can be tailored to meet the needs of various learning capacities and styles. So, as a educators  I can use simulation to provide individualized learning experiences, modify lessons to meet the requirements of certain students, and provide extra assistance to those who need it. By giving students the opportunity to change variables, carry out experiments, and test theories in real time. PhET simulations encourage active learning. This participatory method promotes exploration, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. By giving students the opportunity to investigate and work with variables in a dynamic setting, PhET simulations aid in the conceptual understanding of scientific concepts that students are learning. Through actual experimentation, students can draw links between theoretical ideas and real-world applications. Students may work together on virtual experiments, share findings, and discuss outcomes thanks to PhET simulations. This method of collaborative learning encourages peer-to-peer learning, teamwork, and communication skills. Ultimately, PhET simulations are an effective tool for improving educational instruction because they offer immersive, dynamic, and interactive learning experiences that enhance conventional teaching strategies and promote student-centered learning.

At the same time, I would like to share the instructional process or procedure that I carried out for designing or creating the parallel circuit in PhET simulation.

Step 1: Search 'https://phet.colorado'

Step 2: click on ' https://phet.colorado.edu'

Step 3: Then select the course you want (I selected Physics as  my course as parallel circuit fall under physics)

Step 4: Select 'Circuit Construction Kit : DC

Step 5: click  'lab'

Step 6: Design the circuit correctly using PhET interactive simulations

Step 7: Tell the correct materials used for constructing circuit

Step 8: Measure the voltage, current flowing with correct unit

Step 9: Explain the brightness of one bulb in the circuit correctly, and 

Step 10: Compare the brightness of one bulb with another bulb in the same circuit.

Step 11: Record the measurement of current, and voltage in the  table.

Now, I would like to share a lesson plan how Solar System using PhET simulation.

Subject: V

Chapter: Living Things and their Environment

Topic: Natural selection

Activity: Designing Natural Selection

Objectives: the student will be able to;

• tell the correct materials used for constructing Natural System
• design the natural system correctly using PhET simulation
• explain the natural system, and 
• record the population based on generation

The goal of developing a simulation lesson on natural selection is to illustrate the significance of interactions among living things and the processes by which they are chosen by the environment. Instead of using the conventional method of a teacher-centered classroom, students can learn through the narration of the sound, visual representation, and text with clarity of comprehension on the concept of learning natural selection thanks to the design of the lesson simulation. I have gained knowledge on how to create sequential transitions while creating the simulation lesson. Through the process of creating the natural selection simulation, I have essentially learnt how to arrange data and the animation's flow in terms of time. So, I urged you to integrate Simulation in our instructional lesson.