ITR: A Distributed Simulation Infrastructure for a K-12 Inquiry Environment

California Institute Of Technology, Pasadena CA

Investigators

Abstract

EIA-0082791 Gottschalk, Thomas California Institute of Technology ITR: A Distributed Simulation Infrastructure for a K-12 Inquiry Environment This research involves planning the construction of a scaleable, persistent, interactive event simulation framework for supporting knowledge-building curricula within K-12 education. The proposed system uses advanced simulation and information technology methods to create an inquiry environment, fostering cooperative interactions and knowledge co-creation while students work together to solve curriculum-based problems and challenges. The technical basis of such an inquiry environment is a metacomputing system combining distributed discrete event simulations, information and operational databases, graphical control interfaces, and visualization. While much of the system can be built from familiar pieces, the focus on education provides a number of interesting opportunities for new research in computing and metacomputing strategies. The general area of user-directed simulations is viewed as a particular area in which High Performance Computing (HPC) can become a true enabling technology for substantive educational reform. The proposed work will plan the exploration, development, and extension of HPC technologies for K-12 education. This work relies on strong partnerships in cognitive science and education to ensure that the technology features and capabilities are matched to objectives within progressive models of knowledge and learning. The K-12 simulation framework that could result from this work may be regarded as a first step in the larger task of matching HPC capabilities to contemporary cognitive science and educational research, enabling substantive advances in learning.