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Getting 'real enough' or 'close enough' to real-world challenges is an important factor to point out when implementing simulation solutions within our training programs. One of the biggest benefits of simulation solutions is the ability to work through procedures and experience applying those lessons learned from traditional training, or practice recurring training while problem-solving scenarios that are similar to the ones faced on the job and in the real world.
While visualizations in high resolution are an important point to improve upon, virtual simulations in their current state do a pretty good job in creating near-real scenarios that elicit the same soft skills required to perform one's duty in a subject matter such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. A trainee can go into a well-built scenario and practice whatever governing body is in place that drives standards and procedures in day-to-day operation on the job. It's the safe environment that a trainee can inject themselves into and assess situations as they unfold in real time by making observations based on surroundings, ecological cues, and identifying patterns around them. They can gather facts through analysis and appropriate biases to make critical decisions and take action. It's this safe environment in a holistic manner that trainees can go through the processes and procedures while potentially making mistakes without consequences, in many disciplines, could lead to unintended negative results. Mastering a skill is mastering not only the basics of skills and knowledge through ideal conditional repetition but also mastering ideal results in un-ideal conditions, and a virtual simulated environment is the perfect place to gain such experiences when traditional methods have proven difficult because of a multitude of constraints."
I’ve written about this before but want to reiterate the difference between competency and the appearance of competency. Simulation solutions, when designed correctly, will have the ability to add variability within each scenario to ensure that even though training objectives remain the same, the manner in which the student achieves that goal changes. Meta-gaming is the ability to apply external knowledge to exploit virtual simulation programs for one's benefit. If a trainee requires remedial training to better grasp procedures, critical thought, and problem-solving during realistic simulations and runs through a scenario that teaches certain skills and knowledge, the intended result is acquisition. However, running through a linear path without the ability to introduce variability could result in the appearance of and a false sense of competency. This could have dire long-term consequences when performing in a real-world environment.
Remember that simulation technology and educational methodology are versatile and can be injected during most of the learning journey. Gradual progression from basic training to complex scenarios is something that virtual sims do very well. From taking knowledge-based learning and providing simulated demonstrations to complement lessons learned. Siloed training events in ideal conditions using virtual sims can also be a great delivery method to practice skills in a repetitive manner. You must master ideal conditions before you can jump into variability. It's also a great tool for culminating assessments to test learner competencies. Neural networks are built through hands-on experience in holistic environments. Nothing beats reality training scenarios with real people doing real things during real situations. However, we all know the challenges faced in getting optimal training at a constant cadence. Sims are a great equalizer when all things are considered when getting important people trained to do important things.
I encourage you all to do further research to understand the benefits of simulation technology within your domain. People are people, and people learn in very similar ways. My domain has been military and law enforcement simulation systems, but I understand the parallels to learning methodologies being embedded within technology being delivered to human learners all the same.
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