3.3 Integrating simulations and virtual labs into blended learning
Watch
For the final section for this module, watch the video above, where Victor Dusabumuremyi introduces key topics for planning effective integration of simulations and virtual labs, such as PhET, into your blended learning course.
Read
In this short Read activity, go through the introduction to PhET simulations below, noting in particular the sample activity. You'll be applying the ideas here in the Review activity below.
PhET interactive simulations
https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/engagingstem/chapter/phet-simulations/
Review
Invest some extra time now to revisit strategies for integrating simulations into your teaching by focusing in on one simulation platform, PhET. This will be your main activity for this section and will be the focus of the discussion forum. Begin by choosing a STEAM course where integration of a PhET simulation would be beneficial.
It's important to note that to access further details such as suggested activity plans tailored to the selected simulation, you must create a PhET account. If you haven't already registered, visit the Register page and become part of the PhET community:
Create your PhET account
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/register
There's no fee for membership; however, you'll be prompted to specify your user type and provide some personal information about yourself. If asked to make a donation, you can select, "Maybe later". For additional help in navigating PhET, review the guide below:
PhET help center
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/help-center/getting-started
First, use the Sim Filter on the webpage to pinpoint and subsequently choose two PhET simulations—one for a teacher-led activity and one for a student-led activity—that align with crucial concepts you'll be covering in your course.
PhET simulations gallery
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/eilter?sort=alpha
Then proceed to explore all the tabs on the landing page for the selected PhET simulations. Take some time to observe how others utilize the specific simulation you're exploring by navigating through the tabs just below the simulation to discover:
- About (including suggested relevant topics and objectives)
- Teaching Resources (Teacher Tips, Alignment Documents)
- Activities (lesson plans)
With this information, you'll be equipped to integrate the simulations into your future teaching endeavors. If you feel inspired to contribute your activity ideas to the PhET community, review the requirements here:
PhET activity contribution guidelines
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/activities/contribution-guidelines
Explore · optional
If you're interested in taking a deeper look into the use of PhET simulations, consider signing up for this additional course devoted to it:
Introduction to PhET simulations for STEM education MOOC
https://www.coursera.org/learn/introduction-to-phet-simulations-for-stem-education
Respond
In the Review activity above, you took a closer look at PhET simulations, selecting two that might be useful for teacher-led and student-led activities in your own teaching. This final discussion for Module 3 will ask you to reflect on your decision-making process and the most important factors you considered in selecting your simulations.
As always, be sure to respond to the posts by others. It's also a good time to review your posts in earlier forums to see if others have recently responded to you.
Quiz
When you have completed your readings and other activities for the week, including participating in the forums, you can move on to the quiz for Week 3.
To earn a Certificate of Participation, you will need to complete all five quizzes with a score of 70% for each. You can take each quiz as many times as you need to. If you don't pass the quiz on your first try, go back to the materials and then try again.