DESIGNING SIMULATIONS THAT SUPPORT IMPROVED LEARNING OUTCOMES IN WATER CATCHMENT MANGAMENT

Abstract

Whole catchment management of water resources is a complex process requiring students to develop an understanding of systems and processes which operate over extended timeframes at both a macro and micro environmental level. The development of models and simulations of such systems affords an opportunity to overcome these constraints through the provision of 'risk free environments' in which the user may hypothesise and test cause and effect relationships.This paper reports on the development of the international award winning interactive multimedia based CD-ROM simulation package, Exploring the Nardoo, and also reports on the outcome of a study designed to test the efficacy of the assertion that with careful design, interactive simulations which mimic complex ecological processes can provide the opportunity for improved learning outcomes and the development of a deeper understanding of the underlying relationships.