INTEGRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF WEB SIMULATORS IN EXPERIMENTAL e-LEARNING: AN APPLICATION FOR CAPACITY AUCTIONS

ABSTRACT

Experimental teaching in general, and simulation in particular, have primarily been used in lecture rooms but in the future must also be adapted to e-learning. The integration of web simulators into virtual learning environments, coupled with specific supporting video documentation and the use of videoconference tools, results in robust architectures that favour interactive online learning process. An implementation of a proposed framework for the capacity auction gas market is presented for validation purposes. econport (web simulator) is particularized and linked to WebCT (virtual environment) to conduct an e-experiment, previously part of a classroom lecture, with online social science students. Online students declared a high degree of satisfaction with the whole e-learning process and the acquisition of a certain traditional classroom lecture atmosphere.