Modeling refers to the process of building a model. Modeling or model building is the most conceptually engaging activity possible with the greatest contribution to conceptual change and mental model development.
Model building may not need the support of a computer, similar to creating a concept map without the need of using a computer. However, a computer-based model is usually more interactive and dynamic, and computer supported modeling can make scientific materials more accessible and interesting to learners (White, 1993). Here are some reasons for model building or modeling:
However, we also need to recognize that models are inexact and incomplete. They are often a simplified version of the real problem or system. There are differences between what is modeled and the model itself. Approaches to modeling Modeling or model building is usually used in the following approaches:
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Model/modeling and Simulation
Sometimes the terms model and simulation are used interchangeably. However, they are conceptually different. A model is a physical replica (e.g., a house model) or equation of a system or a situation. It is similar to but simpler than the system it represents. It has the same salient features of the real system as close as possible. It is usually a static representation of the key structures, features, or relationships of a real system. A simulation usually uses a model to emulate the dynamic characteristics of a system. It is an execution of a model. A simulation is useful to study the properties of a model of a real-life system that would otherwise be too complex, too large/small, too fast/slow, not accessible, too dangerous or expansive. While a model aims to be true to the system it represents, a simulation can use a model to explore states that would not be possible in the original system. Look at the above three figures, which ones are more like models or simulations?
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