Let's jump to the consumption possibilities line

It is becoming increasingly difficult to instill good study skills along with a solid foundation in economic principles in first year students. The on-line simulations were developed to complement as well as provide an alternative to a testbook in an effort to spur interest, understanding and grades. Today, students prefer computers and on-line resources to more traditional books and journals. With a dwindling manufacturing sector, a university degree has become a necessity rather than a privileged option. Marginal students need to be saved from themselves, learn the value of hard work and increase their effort in order to succeed at the university level. The latest economic simulation titled, “Let’s Jump to the Consumption Possibilities Line” is designed to be available on-line. The simulations are based on Macromedia Flash and are presented on Shockwave Flash. Students are transported via a fun-filled segment relating to dancing and enjoyment as the characters develop the consumption possibilities line and understanding the differences between consumption possibilities and production possibilities. The concepts of absolute and comparative advantage are studied. Opportunity costs are found, and the good with the lowest opportunity cost is identified.  We then move from the average product of labour for one unit of labour to the average product of labour for millions of units of labour. An end-point solution will be looked at as each country specializes in the good in which it has a comparative advantage. The consumption possibilities line is developed and it can be seen that both countries are able to gain from trade by specializing and moving to their consumption possibilities line. Throughout, graphs are constructed, charts are studied, formulae are set and relationships are found. With colourful animation, a modicum of humour and an atmosphere of fun, students are able to review dry text and intense lecture material in a relaxed setting at their own convenience on the web. Areas of difficulty can be repeatedly viewed and no one else need know of the learner’s concerns. A glossary of terms is instantly available and self-testing provides instant feedback. This multimedia presentation is meant to aid all students including visual learners and students with physical or learning challenges. It is with ease that this computer-based teaching technique emphasizes and aids students in understanding pertinent concepts in economics and re-enforces the learning process.