Why simulations save time
Steve Semler
L&D Leader | Leadership Coach | Learning Solutions Engineer | Author | Veteran
?? Sim·u·la·tion [sim-yuh-ley-shun]: imitation or enactment, as of something anticipated or in testing.
A lot of people in the training world have been using simulations for a long, long time. I've been using simulations for learning since 1989 because they are fun, cost-efficient, and super-effective. (Yep, sorry. Dating myself there.)
Why? You ever hear the phrase, “learn by doing?”
Yep. That’s what simulations are for.
Simulations can be very effective learning strategies, and deeply engaging for the participants, too!
Results-Focused: I typically get 50% more and faster engagement and learning results from simulation-enhanced learning than I do from more traditional kinds of training.
Simulations simplify real-world environments enough for people to practice skills quickly, safely, and in a way that makes the learning points obvious.[1]
How it Works: What makes a simulation work? There are a few key principles to follow when selecting or designing a learning simulation.
? Make the simulation feel like real work
? Strip away excess complexity and focus on the key dynamic
? Make the situations, choices, and outcomes believable
? Allow choices to influence outcomes
? Keep the rules in the background
When simulations follow these five principles, they can be very useful learning tools. Attention to the details can make a simulation the most powerful and long lasting learning experience a person ever has.
These are the principles that I built the 5-Step Simulations? model on. If you'd like to see how to make it easy, fast, and effective to build Simulation-Enhanced Learning, just reach out. I don't charge to teach people this model. If you'd like help implementing it, I'm happy to explore that with you.
?? 5-Step Simulations: https://lnkd.in/gx39Qjmu
Bottom Line: We need to respect people’s intelligence and time by giving them learning solutions that equip them with what they need to be successful. Simulations offer more effective learning with less clutter and in less time.
Creatively yours,
–Steve
[1] Or, simulations can be used to create a simplified model of a real-world system that allows people to study—or simulate—its behavior in order to draw conclusions or test different scenarios. The real world has plenty of sharp edges! Simulations are sharp only where necessary.