Modelling & Simulation

Modelling & Simulation

        Modeling and simulation are a discipline for developing a level of understanding of the interaction of the parts of a system, and of the system as a whole. The level of understanding which may be developed via this discipline is seldom achievable via any other discipline.

Modeling is the expression of one’s ideas by constructing one’s own model. Modeling is a simplified representation of the actual system intended to promote understanding. Whether a model is a good model or not depends on the extent to which it promotes understanding. Since all models are simplifications of reality there is always a trade-off as to what level of detail is included in the model. If too little detail is included in the model, one runs the risk of missing relevant interactions and the resultant model does not promote understanding. If too much detail is included in the model, the model may become overly complicated and actually preclude the development of understanding. Modeling by using ICT will enable students to explore the effects of changing data and relationships of physical systems, thus helping students to understand the phenomena involved. Besides that, it also can increase the accuracy and reliability of experiments. Examples of modeling are a 3D diagram of a water molecule, atomic models made from coloured spheres and also a video of osmosis of water molecules with the voice over.

          

           The meaning of simulation is the exploration of existing models. A simulation generally refers to a computerized version of the model which is run over time to study the implications of the defined interactions. Simulations are generally iterative in there development. One develops a model, simulates it, learns from the simulation, revises the model, and continues the iterations until an adequate level of understanding is developed. ICT can uniquely illustrate scientific concepts with the use of high quality multimedia simulation and enabling students to interact, reflect and also develop their knowledge and understanding. By stimulation, it can provide a concrete visual experience of the abstract, investigating life processes which are far too lengthy like the growth of baby in womb, study complex interaction, stimulate dangerous and costly experiment and also to make invisible visible.

           As the conclusion, simulation and modeling help us to learn in a better understanding rather than reading the notes in the book. We cannot visualize such for a complex reaction written in the book but with modeling, we can see it in 3D form. Other than that, the voice over in the simulation also can help us in right pronunciation of some words that we may not familiar with.