I have used a number of different types of computer programs over the past five years. I tend to group them into three categories: informational, problem solving, and simulated experiences.
I can vividly remember using a simulation based on a tribal farming society, the Gwembe Tonga of southern Africa. This Hypercard program was given to MCC by Brian Fagan and George Michaels of the University of California at Santa Barbara. A student came in one morning, agitated, and said that my d*#@ed program was unfair. When asked why, he replied that he had done everything very well; he had lots of surplus crops in storage, three wives, and five children, but he had died in his sleep "of no apparent cause." The emotions were evident. It turned out he had worked on the simulation the evening before and was still angry at "me" the next morning.
I have always thought that is the real power of simulations. Placing a student in a simulated environment means they become involved. They view their experiences in a personal way to the point where they become emotionally involved. From this they gain an attachment that can be shaped into a true learning experience. While I was sure this one student simply worked himself to death, I know that he went back and lived as a Gwembe Tonga twice more before he was satisfied with his "simulated life". He even tried being a woman (that is another experience altogether).
Here are some responses I have received from students who have used simulations in my classes:
This activity was indeed a novel approach and a unique learning experience for me. I did not go into the simulation with the attitude of waging war and dying fast, however, my village was (unfortunately) attacked and "razed" fairly early on by another completely barbaric and unruly leader (a fellow from the evening class)....I think the feeling that sticks in my head the most is that of vulnerability in terms of other cities and the environment. Being so small, we were at the mercy of the larger cities, and the one time we did attempt to defend ourselves (with the help of a bigger ally), we were completely unsuccessful. As for the environment, it was easy to assume that our crops would suffice to feed our population. Bad years were inevitable and we constantly had to adjust....This was an enjoyable activity which I think really helps to encourage thinking in terms of the cultural relativism that we've referred to so often during this semester.
The biggest lesson I learned from the simulation was about war. After a while we got bored and decided if we went to war we could have more riches to build up our city. So we went to war against the city that turned us down on a trade negotiation. The problem was that they had the other cities as their allies, and our attack was unsuccessful. Then the unthinkable happened, they attacked us. After three attacks on our city we were whipped. They cleaned us out and divided our riches amongst one another. A good example that greed and misuse of power lead to misery and eventually self destruction of the aggressor. There are plenty of examples from history like this: the Maya of Dos Pilas, or just about any city in Mesopotamia...
If this computer simulation is anything like reality, running an entire empire is no small feat. We were plagued by crop problems, which resulted in the depletion of the city-wide food storage. On top of this we taxed our people too much, which ultimately depleted personal food surpluses. We were a relatively wealthy city, as far as precious metals went, but what good is gold if you can't eat it? We were forced to trade gold for grain, but even that move proved to be futile... another group overheard my big mouth talking about our city going to pot, and so they decided to do battle against us. Luckily we made allies with two other groups, and joined forces against the rabble of ruffians. Needless to say, the group that wanted to do battle against us were defeated. In turn, the three students were angry in real terms (at least for a few minutes).....we all went back to our peaceful existence and paid homage to our gods by erecting a new temple...
The Internet Connection at MCLI is
Alan Levine --}
Comments to alan.levine@domail.maricopa.edu
URL: http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/labyforum/Sum95/sum95L5.html