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The aim of this paper is to examine the importance of computer-based simulation by the demonstration and study of complex systems and the presentation of essential tools and applications that can help health professionals deliver good quality practicals, which is now impeded by cost and/or technical constrains. The tools that have been developed in the framework of the Courseware Authoring for Scientific Training (COAST) project are the "modeler environment," which is used to describe the different tools and mathematical functions available for building models, and the "simulation author environment," which is used for building simulation sequences and providing the required tools and functions. This effort provides scientists with new technological and cost-effective means, specifically based on multimedia simulation, for preparing educational material, so as to gradually replace laboratory practicals that are gradually becoming more expensive, and improves student's understanding of complex systems.

The use of authentic problems in the form of Cases in a variety of teaching activities is a well established method aiming to foster the development of problem solving skills. Although a large number of case based educational systems are available, none of them supports all the different types of case based activities. In this paper we present an empirical study, conducted in order to establish the design of a web-based educational environment, referred to as CASTLE, aiming to support the creation and elaboration of Case activities of all types.

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