Simulations are multimodal concepts designed to virtually recreate a real-life scene for the learner to engage with.

These simulations will usually present the student with tasks to complete and objects to move within the scenario. This technique of simulation is formulated to test the student’s knowledge in a practical demonstrative way. So this fully immersive experience combines images, motion graphics, text, sound and movement.

Simulation job scene taken from Play Station.

This learning method is used in elearning and training courses for a diverse range of fields, from teaching health and safety practices in the office to designing medical procedures for doctors.

If we take the medical profession as an example, we can see that this type of multimodal device provides the learner with valuable exposure to real-life dilemmas, but most importantly in a safe space where the risk factor of making a serious error on a real person is eliminated.

According to this article ‘Simulation-based learning: Just like the real thing’ from the Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock:

‘Simulation-based learning can be the answer to developing health professionals’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes, whilst protecting patients from unnecessary risks.’

You can also see how this kind of teaching method is effective in many other domains outside of healthcare – like aviation, chemical engineering – and it’s been proven that the more experience a learner has of carrying out a procedure, the less risk of complications in real life.

This kind of fully immersed interaction with the learning materials is also shown in Virtual Reality simulations. Again, used for medical purposes. The blog post here talks about five incredible uses of VR in medicine explaining, ‘One of the most promising elements VR brings to the medical industry is that of the use of 3D models by surgeons to plan operations.’

VR simulation used to train medical professionals in real-life dilemmas.

Why this method of teaching is so effective is because not only is it exciting (motivating the learner), it also uses many forms of learning ie. image, sound, motion, which means the cross over modes produce better learning outcomes.

Finally, the learner has agency over the experience and therefore the results. They are in control of their knowledge gain and data on their performance can be collected over time and analysed for further improvement.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2966567/
2. https://www.newgenapps.com/blog/5-incredible-uses-of-virtual-reality-in-medicine
3. https://oxfordmedicalsimulation.com/
4. https://elearningindustry.com/4-benefits-of-learning-simulations