Using Computer Simulation to Teach a Standardized Instrument in an Online Course
Katherine Terras

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to ascertain if using computer simulation, for teaching students how to administer and score a standardized instrument, was an effective instructional method in an online course. The process for implementing this study was based on the situated learning theory. Participants in this study were 52 graduate students enrolled in an online advanced assessment course in a special education master’s program. Data were collected from a 12-item survey and from two student assessments. Concluded from the data is that computer simulations are an effective instructional method for teaching a standardized instrument in a course taught fully online. Findings also revealed that students found the situated learning process for acquiring knowledge and skills, relative to a standardized instrument, to promote high quality learning in an online course.

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