Comparison of computer software packages for developing simulation models

Computer simulation models have been proposed as teaching tools to enhance the teaching-learning process. Several software packages are now available for developing simulation models for classroom use. In this paper, the following computer software packages are compared: a spreadsheet package (Excel™), two equation processing packages (TKSolver™ and Mathcad™), and a dynamic simulation package (Extend™). In contrast to the conventional approach of using computer languages, these packages enable faculty and students to develop models of varying complexity with minimal programming skills at a fraction of the time. Some of the distinct features and the limitations of these packages are illustrated and compared in this paper using a sample problem which is governed by a first order ordinary differential equation.