Participatory simulation for collaborative learning experiences

In traditional education, most of the communication is one-way, where the teacher teaches and the students listen. The students are therefore less motivated to learn. In this chapter, we use the scaffolding technique to design an interactive simulation framework called SPS (scaffolding participatory simulation) for collaborative learning. Based on the SPS framework, a system called PLASPS (PDA-based learning algorithm system using participatory simulation) was developed to help students learn about sorting algorithms. Using this system, the teacher can assign tasks to their students and ask them to sort a list of numbers according to a certain algorithm. Learners then collaborate together to complete the task. The system checks the result and provides feedback to the students if there is a mistake with the positions of the numbers. The learners then correct the number positions and send the result back to the system. The collaborative activities and discussions, along with information about any errors, help the students to understand the sorting algorithm.