Title: Exploring the learning potential of an artificial life simulation

Authors: Peta Wyeth, Helen C. Purchase

Addresses: School of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Australia. School of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Australia

Abstract: CULUTRE is an Artificial Life simulation that aims to provide primary school children with opportunities to become actively engaged in the high-order thinking processes of problem solving and critical thinking. A preliminary evaluation of CULTURE has found that it offers the freedom for children to take part in process-oriented learning experiences. Through providing children with opportunities to make inferences, validate results, explain discoveries and analyse situations, CULTURE encourages the development of high-order thinking skills. The evaluation found that CULTURE allows users to autonomously explore the important scientific concepts of life and living, and energy and change within a software environment that children find enjoyable and easy to use.

Keywords: computer-assisted instruction; artificial life simulation; primary school education; higher-order thinking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2001.000396

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2001 Vol.11 No.3, pp.229-241

Published online: 16 Jul 2003 *

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