Simulation-Based Experiential Learning

In October of 1992 an assembly of researchers in simulation and computer models for instruction convened in Bonas, France, to learn from one another in a non-automated environment. The event was the Advanced Research Workshop entitled The Use of Computer Models for Explication, Analysis, and Experiential Learning. Sponsored by the Scientific Affairs Division of NATO, this workshop brought together 29 leading experts in the field loosely described as instruction and learning in simulation environments. The three-day workshop was organized in a manner to maximize exchange of knowledge, of beliefs, and of issues. The participants came from six countries with experiences to share, with opinions to voice, and with questions to explore. Starting some weeks prior to the workshop, the exchange included presentation of the scientific papers, discussions immediately following each presentation, and informal discussions outside the scheduled meeting times. Naturally, the character and content of the workshop was determined by the backgrounds and interests of the participants. One objective in drawing together these particular specialists was to achieve a congress with coherent diversity, i.e., we sought individuals who could view an emerging area from different perspectives yet had produced work of interest to many. Major topic areas included theories of instruction being developed or tested, use of multiple domain models to enhance understanding, experiential learning environments, modelling diagnostic environments, tools for authoring complex models, and case studies from industry.

Proceediings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on The Use of Computer Models for Explication, Analysis and Experiential Learning, held in Bonas, France, October 12-14, 1992

Building Domain Models to Support Instruction.- Knowledge Structures for a Computer-Based Training Aid for Troubleshooting a Complex System.- Authoring Interactive Graphical Models for Instruction.- Visualization in Educational Computer Modeling.- Diagnosis of Intentions and Interactive Support of Planning in a Functional, Visual Programming Language.- The Flexible Use of Multiple Mental Domain Representations.- Computer-Based Support for Analogical Problem Solving and Learning.- Modeling Actors in a Resource Dilemma: A Computerized Social Learning Environment.- Basic Research on the Pedagogy of Automated Instruction.- Modeling Practice, Performance, and Learning.- Teaching and Learning Diagnostic Skills in a Simulation Environment.- Environment Design and Teaching Intervention.- A Model to Design Computer Exploratory Software for Science and Mathematics.- Exploring a Domain with a Computer Simulation: Traversing Variable and Relation Space with the Help of a Hypothesis Scratchpad.- Supporting Exploratory Learning by Offering Structured Overviews of Hypotheses.- Exploration Strategies in an Economics Simulation Game.- Determinants of Learning in Simulation Environments across Domains.- SEPIA: an Intelligent Training System for French Nuclear Power Plant Operators.- Learning Impacts of the Alpin Expert System on its Users.