What is an Adventure or Simulation?

Adventures and simulations address the Modelling area of ICT. They are computer representations of imaginary or real situations that are governed by a set of rules. These rules can vary greatly from simplistic to highly complex levels.

Adventures are programs based on imaginary situations. Users of adventures become involved in a role playing situation where they either become the main character or help other characters within the adventure. Adventures usually involve quests that entail using clues, collecting various objects, using objects at appropriate places and problem solving.

Younger pupils will be more inclined to use simple adventures that have limited choices. These adventures allow pupils to move through the tasks in a linear fashion. Progress through linear adventures are confined to pupils solving individual problems at appropriate stages. The problems posed within the adventures usually support literacy and numeracy. Simple adventures have options that provide different levels of difficulty for users. This is a useful facility when catering for pupil groups with a wide range of abilities.

Older or more able pupils should use more complex adventures that offer them a greater range of choices. Users have greater control of situations such as selecting locations on a map or choosing equipment. Variables can also occur that change outcomes.

Simulations are programs that simulate a real situation within the confines of a computer model. Users of simulations are confronted with real life situations that provide investigation opportunities. Within certain simulations, parameters may be altered which change the overall outcomes.

Younger pupils can use very simple simulations that reflect the activities that they would normally carry out in real life. More able, or older pupils, should become involved in increasingly complex simulations that provide more information, which allow users to become actively involved as characters within the simulation.

Adventures and Simulations offer opportunities for collaborative activities that help pupils to appreciate the relationship between cause and effect. Adventure and simulation packages are powerful modelling applications that encourage pupils to design strategies and pose questions of the nature: "What would happen if...?"

Examples of using Adventures and Simulations:

• Pupils use a simple linear adventure with the purpose of solving a series of puzzles to complete the adventure - eg. a wicked witch could have imprisoned a King or Queen. By solving a series of puzzles the King or Queen could be rescued.
• Pupils use a more complex adventure where there is freedom to roam through various locations. The solving of the adventure should be based on an understanding of the rules and parameters within the adventure as well as solving puzzles - eg. very valuable items could have been stolen. The aim is to look for clues and identify the thief from a number of suspects. The clues could vary so that outcomes will be different.
• Pupils use simple simulations that reflect real life experiences or play activities. This could entail moving objects across the screen - eg. a teddy bear could be dressed or furniture placed within a room of a doll's house.
• Pupils use more complex simulations that reflect real life situations accurately. Locations within the simulation could be visited and outcomes predicted - eg. wildlife could be observed through video clips or high quality images. Pupils can gain an understanding of which animals can be found within specific habitats.
• Pupils can become actively involved as part of a simulation - eg. a Roman town can be explored with the user playing the role of a character within the town. Tasks within the simulation direct users to a clearer understanding of Roman life.
• Pupils use a complex adventure with a simulation activity embedded within the adventure - eg. an imaginary thief could be traced and captured as a result of travelling through real countries in the world.

Classroom Strategies for Adventures and Simulations