Web-based simulations as teaching and learning media in political science

This paper describes the experience of using a web-based simulation in the political Science department at the University of Melbourne. It compares the effects of using traditional media for teaching and learning with those that issue from CMC via the Internet and WWW. Consequently it argues that the effectiveness of using CMC in the teaching and learning environment is dependent on the design by which it is implemented. Using Web-based simulations as a teaching tool for Political Science demonstrates that CMC can be both a stimulating and effective pedagogical experience. A simulation designed for collaborative learning in context will not only motivate and encourage students to learn, but as a result, will also be a more effective tool in teaching and learning than traditional means used in the discipline.