Simulation-based training is a tool that utilizes technology to create simulated models of real-world scenarios that students would not normally experience until they were on a real clinical site. Simulations allow students to practice applicable skills that they will need on the job, without worrying about the consequences of any errors they make. Online simulation-based learning is flexible and accessible so that students can take advantage of each lesson as many times as they want, from anywhere in the world. Simulation-based training is a great tool to use in education for this reason, it is also documented to increase knowledge retention rate..
Simulation-Based Training in Education
Simulation-based training can be utilized effectively at every level of the education sector. In higher education, simulations can be used to reinforce the coursework in a variety of fields. Some of the most popular fields of study to use simulated learning include the medical fields, physics, biology, and other STEM programs. Students in these fields can gain valuable experience working with models of advanced systems, procedures, and equipment to reinforce theoretical concepts with hands-on experience without risk to themselves or others. This allows a medical student to practice important procedures, even life-saving ones, and become comfortable in high-stress situations before ever meeting a patient.
Trade schools also benefit in much the same way from implementing simulation-based training. Any field that has regular use of dangerous equipment can train students on simulations so that they become more confident and comfortable with the skills needed to operate the tools of the industry and minimize the risk of damage to themselves or to expensive equipment.
In middle schools and high schools, simulation learning is a great way to engage students by reinforcing concepts in computer-based models. The accessibility of simulation-based learning is beneficial across all levels of education. Students are able to take lessons outside of the classroom and retake the training scenarios anywhere and anytime. This means that any program that implements simulation-based learning can offer educational programs through distance learning, so young students can work from home, and educational institutions can offer courses to students in different geographical regions.
Higher Education eLearning
Simulation-based training is being used by colleges and universities to both reinforce in-class instruction and increase reach to students abroad and learning from home. The benefits of simulation-based training and e-learning allow students more autonomy and control with their education. Students are able to complete their coursework at their own pace, as well as repeat any exercise as many times as they need so that they can become more comfortable with key concepts or procedures before moving on. This flexibility allows non-traditional students who may have other time commitments, like full or part-time jobs and family engagements, to remain up to date with coursework without having to choose between education and their personal lives. Another big advantage of simulation-based learning that higher education takes advantage of is the ability to offer simulated experiences of real-world scenarios to better prepare their students for the practical application of their theoretical knowledge.
Vocational Education & Training
Simulation-based learning offers many advantages when implemented in vocational education and training (VET). Trade schools and vocational schools use simulated learning to offer students training on computer-based models so that they can improve the competence of their vocational skills before moving on to hands-on, real-world scenarios. This reduces the risk of personal harm or damage to expensive equipment by allowing students to safely practice and reinforce their knowledge in a virtual, dynamic environment. Simulated learning allows for the digital representation of important safety procedures or complicated technical maneuvers so that students can become comfortable with these scenarios before they encounter them on the job. This is especially helpful in Career and technical education (CTE) where students will be faced with more hands-on work. Another added benefit of simulation-based learning is that it is flexible and allows students to complete training on their own time from anywhere that they have access to the training software. This means that students who have other commitments can remain engaged and up to date with training.
Graduate & Professional Schools
Similar to undergraduate programs, graduate and professional schools can take advantage of the many benefits that simulation-based training and e-learning offer. In STEM fields like engineering or medicine, 2D and 3D modeling allow students to become familiar with real-world scenarios and gain competence in procedures by allowing them to practice as many times as they would like in a risk-free environment. Simulation training is a cost-effective way to provide students with applicable experience, by allowing them to complete simulations and training outside of the classroom or laboratory from wherever and whenever they have access to the training software. This improves students' information retention rate when compared to the traditional, lecture-only style of information delivery. This also allows students to access the course remotely so that higher-level educational institutions can offer instruction to long-distance and international students, as well as.
SimTutor Features
SimTutor Author’s app allows educators to simulate training that offers students the benefit of a learn-by-doing learning experience while taking away the risks associated with failure. SimTutor offers students the ability to retake training as many times as they would like, and at their own pace so that they can maximize information retention. Students of all levels can bridge the gap between theory and practice by building competency in simulated scenarios specific to their field of study. SimTutor Author's app empowers its users to create a wide range of coursework training using already existing material like lecture slides, videos, pictures, and more. SimTutor offers an expansive library of simulation models already created that instructors can pull from and use, as well as content authoring software that is designed for instructors to develop their courses through a user-friendly interface. Download the app and experience the true ease of creating your educational courses with SimTutor today.