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Playing With the Planet: Environmental Education and Entertainment Software

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 June 2015

Kathleen Gray  and
Michael Nott
Kathleen Gray
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Michael Nott
Affiliation:
Science Multimedia Teaching, Unit University of Melbourne
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Abstract

A genre of computer software with which users simulate designing and managing natural resources and ecosystems deserves critical attention from environmental educators. Such software encourages users to develop their understanding of theoretical and applied ecology by manipulating virtual environmental forces in imaginative ways. This paper refers readers to a directory of software titles in thie genre. It argues that there is significant social and educational momentum toward increased use of such resources for teaching and learning about the environment. It presents some reservations about the nature and purpose of this genre of software, and outlines ethical, economic and experiential questions about it which have implications for the future direction of environmental education.

Type
Thematic Section—Interpretation and Environmental Education
Information
Australian Journal of Environmental Education , Volume 12 , 1996 , pp. 35 - 40
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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Green Engineering & Management

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Using Computers in Environmental Education: Interactive Multimedia and On-Line Learning

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World Game

http://www.worldgame.org/~wgi/