This site provides a simulation of the Lotka-Volterra Competition model. The user can manipulate several parameters and view the results of the competition between two species graphically. Populations are compared versus each other or over time. There is a brief description of the mathematics, a homework assignment and a set of suggested steps to help students understand how the model works and what is happening to the populations under various conditions.
Type of Material:
Animation/Simulation
Technical Requirements:
HTML, Java 1.1
Target Student Population:
Upper division undergraduate
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Quality of Content: (3) (4) = 3.5
The material was accurate and depicts relationships well
The applet appears to work soundly and depict the model accurately
Concerns:
The descriptions are far too brief for a new user to be sure what parameters represent
Vocabulary needs to be defined
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool: (4) (5) = 4.5
It's already set up with a student assignment that aids in understanding concepts presented in the simulation.
The questions asked promote discovery/experimentation
It should be easy to write assignments for this simulation because of its "bare bones" nature.
Concerns:
Needs to have a much more extensive explanation of the parameters and the theory behind the system.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Usability: (3) (4.2) = 3.6
The simulation is fairly easy to use and responds quickly
The parameters are easy to change and can be manipulated with little background knowledge.
It is fast and stable
Concerns:
The graphs are not labeled so one must study the simulation and parameters to figure out what is being demonstrated.
Without ample instruction the user may not be sure what s/he is manipulating
Overall rating: (4) (4.4) = 4.2
Author's comments:
I would like to comment that although others might wish a computer lab to be more self-explanatory, we don't want that. These labs are used to apply lecture material. In general,
it suits our pedagogic goals to give the students just enough, but -never- too much or to do too much for them. The student must supply brain, with assignment as catalyst. :) I regret that choice affected our grading on Merlot. However, the HTML reader files along the left-hand-side are completely customizable for any class. More can be added, or what's there changed, with a simple text editor, to suit the course.
Creative Commons:
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