Everything You Know About Simulations is Wrong

Everything You Know About Simulation is Wrong

Rich Mesch

Phil Sueper

Phil Charron

Performance Development Group

www.performdev.com Performance Development Group

Agenda

Introductions (5 minutes) Defining Simulation (15 minutes) Debunking Simulation Myths (30 minutes) Basics of Simulation Design (30 minutes)

Effective Applications for Simulation Learning Approaches

Q&A (10 minutes)


Survey

Which statement do you most agree with:

“I’ve heard of simulation, and I want to learn what all the fuss is about.”

“I’m interested in simulation, and I want to learn more about them.”

“I’m unfamiliar with simulation and I want to gain some basic knowledge.”

“I have built simulations and I’m looking for more insight.”


The Definition of Simulation

What does the word “simulation” mean to you?


Simulation Definition: Literal

Simulation is a realistic, controlled-risk environment where users can practice behaviors and experience the impacts of decisions

Learn-by-doing Application of Learning Performance Support/Reinforcement


Simulation Definition: Conceptual

Learning

StorytellingPerformance

Simulation is the nexus of…


Agree or Disagree?

“Simulation is a good methodology for most learning challenges.”


The Nexus: Learning

Do users learn content in simulation? Users apply skills and knowledge and learn the

consequences and results Users learn from feedback- intrinsic and extrinsic


Simulation Content

Simulation is most effective for content that is: Behavioral Observable Has defined consequences and implications Process or System Driven


Agree or disagree?

“Simulations are just another form of e-learning.”


The Nexus: Performance

Evaluation

Choose

Synthesis Compare

Manage Etc.

Analysis Plan

Analyze Etc.

Application Contrast

Use Etc.

Comprehension Operate

Identify Etc.

Knowledge Describe

Define Etc.

List

Etc. Performance

Education

Taxonomy of Educational Objectives: The Classification of Educational Goals; B. S. Bloom (Ed.) Susan Fauer Company, Inc. 1956.


The Nexus: Performance

Simulation is about doing Simulation content should be driven by metrics Metrics should be the same as in real life Storytelling is important, but metrics come first


Agree or disagree?

Simulation should be as realistic as possible.


The Nexus: Storytelling

Drives user INVOLVEMENT Users care how the story turns out and make

decisions emotionally Users make decisions as they would in real life—not

as they would in a training exercise Story needs to be driven by same drivers as real life


The Storytelling Challenge

How do you tell a good story? Use goal-based scenarios Get the details right No robots, please! Remember the role of time and place


Which statement do you most agree with?

a. Simulation requires extensive audio/video

b. Limited media can be as effective as extensive media

c. Good simulations don’t require media

Debunking Simulation Myths

The Game: Truth or Myth


Agree or disagree?

Simulations are just games, and people can’t waste time playing games


Agree or disagree?

Simulations should not allow users to fail, since failure is demotivating


Agree or disagree?


a. Random events make simulations more realistic

b. Random events confuse users

c. Limited random events enhance reusability


Agree or disagree?

Simulations are basically complex multiple choice tests


Agree or disagree?


a. Simulation requires extensive audio/video

b. Limited media can be as effective as extensive media

c. Good simulations don’t require media


Agree or disagree?

Simulation requires a big investment in complex technology

Basics of Simulation Design


Effective Applications for Simulation

Skill Application/Capstone Change Management Process Comprehension



Skill Application/Capstone Practice New Skills Experience results of new approach Evaluate/Receive Feedback on Proficiency

Change Management Process Comprehension



Skill Application/Capstone Change Management

New Environment Future State New Process/Behavior Change

Process Comprehension



Skill Application/Capstone Change Management Process Comprehension

Experience inputs/outputs in a process Identify the players/moving parts of the process Experience the integration- how pushing on one part of the

process affects all parts


Effective Learning Approaches

Constructivism Problem-Based Learning Goal-Based Scenarios Simulation-Centered Learning and Performance

Support



Constructivism New Manager Training

Problem-Based Learning Goal-Based Scenarios Simulation-Centered Learning and Performance

Support



Constructivism Problem-Based Learning

Project Management

Goal-Based Scenarios Simulation-Centered Learning and Performance

Support



Constructivism Problem-Based Learning Goal-Based Scenarios

Change Management

Simulation-Centered Learning and Performance Support



Constructivism Problem-Based Learning Goal-Based Scenarios Simulation-Centered Learning and Performance

Support


Summary


Questions?