Development of Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving Strategies through Games and Computer Simulations

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to provide two case studies examining how games and computer simulations can be used to link different disciplines in the setting of a college education for underrepresented, urban undergraduate students. The first case study illustrates how researchers from different disciplines collaborate to advance our understanding of the physiology of normal and diseased hearts. Computer simulations provide a link between an understanding of biological systems at different scale levels, from molecules to organs, making it possible to create a superior systemic (non-reductionist) representation. Problems in science and engineering require interdisciplinary thinking, so it is crucial that the next generation of researchers/professionals develop an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. The second case study shows how computer games can be used to develop programming problem-solving and narrative skills by linking English composition with computer programming courses.