Teaching IS with Simulations: Issues and Experiences

Topics of Information Systems lectures and tutorials are dynamic systems, such as business models and development processes, requirements specification formulation, and system architectures and designs. Using simulations in lectures, tutorials and for distance learning can significantly increase students’ understanding of topics, teamwork skills and enjoyment of their learning experience. The concept of simulations and some of the ways they can be used during teaching Information Systems are explained and illustrated. Specific issues when using simulations during tutorials, lectures and for distance learning are discussed. One detailed and several brief case study examples of using simulation from the author’s teaching experiences are described.