AUTHORING FOR SIMULATION-BASED LEARNING

This paper describes the SAM (Simulation and Multimedia) project and t he rationales behind it. SAM focuses mainly on integrated simulation-b ased learning environments and creates a framework for authoring, mode lling and learning. In these frameworks existing software tools are us ed where possible and an exchange of tools is enabled. Specialised too ls support all actors: learners, authors and modellers. Emphasis will be put on methodologies and graphical tools supporting global course d esign and integration of simulations. Tools enable also the implementa tion of general and local course control including instructions for th e monitor to recognise and evaluate learner behaviour. SAM methods and techniques are developed to design adaptable courses to meet differen t learner profiles and to integrate simulations in courseware. This im plies a technical integration: the simulation package must accept exte rnal control and support an exchange of data. It also implies a concep tual integration: instructional domain concepts must be connected with the model entities; variables, parameters and relations. Instructiona l objects created with existing authoring tools are incorporated into SAM by specifying a script. The resulting Instructional Scripted Objec ts (ISOs) enable a smooth transition between different applications an d constitute control mechanisms on a local level. These ISOs serve as building blocks within the SAM environment. By connecting these ISOs w ith a curriculum graph new courses and learning strategies are impleme nted. Simulation ISOs are offered allowing different levels of freedom : from fully system guided tasks to learner controlled experiments. Th e monitoring of learner actions and simulation states is possible. Cre ating and tuning simulations to support instruction will be a collabor ative act for author and modeller.