Exploring the Issues in Simulating a Semi-Structured Learning Environment: The SimGrad Doctoral Program Design

The help seeking and social integration needs of learners in a semistructured learning environment require specific support. The design and use of educational technology has the potential to meet these needs. One difficulty in the development of such support systems is in their validation because of the length of time required for adequate testing. This paper explores the use of a simulated learning environment and simulated learners as a way of studying design validation issues of such support systems. The semi-structured learning environment we are investigating is a graduate school, with a focus on the doctoral program. We present a description of the steps we have taken in developing a simulation of a doctoral program. In the process, we illustrate some of the challenges in the design and development of simulated learning environments. Lastly, the expected contributions and our research plans going forward are described.