Participatory Simulations Network-based Design for Systems Learning in Classrooms

这个项目汇集了系统建模的两个研究方向--复杂动态系统的研究和参与式模拟的使用。提出者计划进行动态系统建模，该建模将用于手持计算机的教室。系统建模可以设计成显示不同的相互作用元素如何随时间变化和演变，以及这些元素的局部相互作用如何产生全球现象，例如秩序与混沌、随机性与确定性。换句话说，这项研究的理论和基于计算机的工具展示了科学和日常世界的变化现象。PI和共同PI将在马萨诸塞州罗克斯伯里和德克萨斯州奥斯汀的初中和高中的教室里实施这个系统，HubNet。该系统的原型已经在德州仪器公司(TI)的帮助下开发出来，并已经进行了中试。它具有灵活性，可以上传和下载，可以运行聚合编程语言和基于对象的编程语言的建模程序。PI将与已经有经验的教师合作，或将获得释放时间，以获得课堂网络和手持计算机方面的培训。研究人员和他们的研究生将收集学生如何使用这套程序进行工作和学习的数据。该提案列出了一些主要的交付成果。其中包括：能够支持和分析HubNet实地测试模拟包中的学习结果的软件包，与传统工具的联网连接，将参与性模拟作为系统学习手段进行的基础研究，以及一套允许扩展和进一步传播的HubNet编程工具。

This project brings together two lines of research in systems modeling - the study of complex dynamic systems and the use of participatory simulations. The proposer plans to perform dynamic systems modeling that will be used in classrooms with hand held computers. Systems modeling can be designed to show how different interacting elements change and evolve over time, and how global phenomena can arise from local interaction of these elements, e.g. order vs. chaos, randomness vs. determinacy. In other words, the theoretical and computer-based tools from this study show the changing phenomena of science and the everyday world. The PI and co-PI will implement the system, HubNet, in classrooms at middle and high schools in Roxbury, Massachusetts and Austin, Texas. A prototype of the system has been developed with the help of Texas Instruments (TI), and has already been piloted tested. It has flexibility in being able to be uploaded as well as downloaded, can run modeling programs in both aggregate and object based programming languages. The PI's will be working with teachers who have the experience already, or will be given release time to gain the training in classroom networking as well as hand held computers. The researchers and their graduate students will be collecting data on how the students are working and learning with the set of programs.The proposal named a number of major deliverables. Among them were such items as:Package that can support and analyze results of learning in HubNet Field-tested simulation packages and networked connections to traditional tools Fundamental research using participatory simulations as means into systems learning, and Set of tools for programming HubNet that would allow expansion as well as further dissemination.