Reliability in Situated Simulations

Abstract

This paper demonstrates how the mediation of situated simulations (sitsims) might disseminate an enhanced sense of reality for the user â?? regardless of the actual amount of authenticity in the reconstruction. Therefore, it will be argued, for sitsims to serve their potential as tools for learning, documentation, source criticism and visualisation of uncertainty is key. In order to increase the reliability of sitsims, this paper suggest an extended use of the accompanying website; a continuation of encouraging user-generated links; and more visualisations of alternative interpretations. Additionally, it provides suggestion for further research on ways to improve reliability by 1) allowing users to alter structures without being constrained by fixed values, and 2) employing colour-coding based on level of documentation.