Final answer:
Simulations, like the physics simulations from PhET, enhance learning by allowing students to interactively explore complex systems. They can repeatedly use these tools to better understand content and develop independent information-seeking skills. These simulations incorporate various educational objectives and make content comprehension more intuitive and engaging.
Step-by-step explanation:
Animated simulations are powerful educational tools that allow trainees to gain a deep understanding of complex systems through interactive models.
These simulation models can illustrate both simple and linear systems that might be mathematically complex. For example, the PhET physics simulations developed by the University of Colorado Boulder are commonly used in educational settings.
These simulations help students visualize and interact with physics concepts to enhance their learning experience. As tools, simulations provide an opportunity to repeatedly engage with the material in a dynamic way. This is especially useful in fields like physics and engineering, where real-world application and intuition are critically important.
Integrating various forms of media, such as interactive exercises, animations, and interactive Links, adds a richer context to the educational content and supports a learner-centered approach. Highly regarded platforms like the University of Michigan's interactive WebScopes allow for detailed examination of micrographs.
Using simulations in this manner helps students to better grasp the material and develop the skills needed to independently search for and process information.
Furthermore, simulations can be aligned with educational objectives, such as the ability to re-express key elements of natural phenomena across multiple representations, to test hypotheses, and to solidify understanding through visualization.