GlossaryGuide

Etym. screen (n.) Meaning “flat vertical surface for reception of projected images” is from 1810, originally in reference to magic lantern shows; later of movies. Related screenshot (n.) by 1991, from (computer) screen (n.) + shot (n.) in the photograph sense.

Etym. simulation (n.) noun of action from past participle stem of simulare “imitate,” from stem of similis “like.” Meaning “a model or mock-up for purposes of experiment or training” is from 1954.

Etym. simulator (n.) 1835, of persons, from Latin simulator “a copier, feigner,” agent noun from simulare “imitate,” from stem of similis “like.” In reference to training devices for complex systems, from 1947 (flight simulator); simulated (adj.) 1620s, “feigned,” past participle adjective from simulate (v.). Meaning “imitative for purposes of experiment or training” is from 1966 (agent noun simulator in the related sense dates from 1947). In commercial jargon, “artificial, imitation” by 1942.

Definition

• A simulation presented on a computer screen using graphical images and text, similar to popular gaming format, where the operator interacts with the interface using keyboard, mouse, joystick, or other input device. The programs can provide feedback to, and track actions of learners for assessment, eliminating the need for an instructor (Ventre & Schwid, in Levine, Chapter 14).

• A computer-generated video game simulator that can create scenarios that require real-time decisionmaking (Bonnetain, Biese, et al., 2009).

See also: COMPUTER-BASED SIMULATION, SIMULATOR