A Collective Simulation is a general framework combining social learning pedagogical models with distributed simulation technical frameworks. Collective simulations enable a group of learners through technologically augmented role playing games to experience complex systems in disciplines such as economy, biology, ecology, and sociology. The pedagogical models employed by collective simulations emerge from Vygotsky's sociocultural knowledge construction, and Joel Michael's meaningful learning. Distributed simulation technical frameworks most useful to collective simulations employ unobtrusive handheld devices such as . An example of a collective simulation is the Mr. Vetro system. Students learn about human physiology by engaging in role play through wirelessly connected PDAs simulating interdependent human systems.
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