Mini Guide – Simulation Learning Software

Introduction

We created this somewhat unusual category – i.e. it is not a learning content area but rather a way of learning - simulation learning – to highlight the fact that what might appear and in fact, are games, with the right content and through a simulation experience - can have enormous learning value.

Hands on experience, where we are involved in real life situations over time is often how we actually learn and become able practitioners in a field. Good simulation/strategy type programs can be amazingly close approximations to what the real life experience can be like and can offer us an interesting and engaging way to learn about how things really operate in that field.

A simulation type program allows you to have – one step removed – "first hand" experience and involvement in seeing how things work in complex situations such as building and managing a city, (Sim City) or building and running an amusement park (Roller Coaster Tycoon). Through these simulation experiences you will actually be learning and really understanding what happens, when you manage a city or an amusement park for example.

Here are four unique high quality programs that we would recommend.

Choosing Simulation Learning Software

Sim City 4 (ages 12 & up) is a richly detailed simulation program which allows you to build your own city and then experience what it is like to manage it's development, as it takes on a life of it’s own. You have to be prepared to learn how to effectively operate this program (about an hour of learning) as you would with a word processing program for example, but once you know how to operate the basic functions, the rest you will pick up as you go. You will find that this program has enough depth and complexity that there is literally no end to what you can create and do. If you enjoy the simulation type experience, you will get tons of mileage and enjoyment out of this program.

Roller Coaster Tycoon (ages 10 and up) works in exactly the same fashion as Sim City, the main difference being that in this program you are building and operating an amusement park. A very neat added dimension in Roller Coaster Tycoon is that you can design your own roller coasters to put into your park and see how successful your new rides are, with the people who have to come to your park. The visual excitement of watching the roller coasters and the other rides operate makes this a real favourite among the kids we have watched use this program. This program is a little easier to learn and that is why this program can start with 10 year olds whereas Sim City is better to start off with 12 year olds or older.

Crosscountry Canada Platinum (ages 9 & up) puts you in the driver's seat of an 18 wheel transport truck and has you navigating your way across Canada picking up cargo in various cities and towns, until you get to your final delivery destination. You are making the decisions about which routes to take on your map, determining your direction using a compass, and taking care of your rig and yourself to ensure you don't wind up having an accident. What this program actually teaches in a very practical way, is the geography of the major cities of Canada, as well as the practicalities of operating a transport truck. This program has been used in many schools in Canada and is now available for use in the home. The thought of driving your truck appeals to many young boys.

 Zoo Tycoon 2 is the Microsoft entry in what has become a growing segment of "tycoon" simulation programs, but with a very simple and engaging difference. This program is about taking care of animals, as well as designing and managing a zoo. You are a bit like "Young Gerald McGrew" of Dr. Suess fame, who sets off to build a zoo. The nurturing aspect of caring for animals holds an appeal for many kids and is one that, as a parent, you can enjoy with them.

You start off with a big empty lot and all the building tools you need to start construction of the housing areas for the animals. In designing the living area for the various animals - you have around 40 different types of animals to choose from - you want to design each area to most resemble the natural habitat of each species.