Computer Simulations applied to University teaching
Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad de Oviedo).
Ismael Arinas
Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.
Computer Simulations applied to University teaching
Short paper or demonstration
Abstract
Computer simulations of real-life situations are used effectively to improve the
training of university students. These simulations are motivating, accident-free,
cost-effective and tireless. As a teaching tool they facilitate a less abstract approach
to the academic issues than other conventional methods. Students can have several access
options (networks, CD-ROM copies, in-class presentations) to a sophisticated and
interactive representation of various problems in an user-friendly fashion.
The creation of computer simulations entails the use of different programming techniques
which vary in level of difficulty, but all of them adaptable to any field of knowledge.
This flexibility in the application will be illustrated by two examples. The purpose of
these two demontrations is to show how a similar technique can be of profit for teaching
situations totally unrelated . The first demontration will consist on a simulation applied
to Mechanical Engineering. The second example of simulation is part of a project involved
in the teaching of foreign languages for specific purposes.