Using Simulations in Learning Bursts

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Simulations in Learning Burst training are simplified versions of reality; they place participants in realistic business environments where they are asked to complete tasks with legitimate business goals. They capture the essentials of a workplace environment in a way that allows participants to apply new skills, try different approaches and explore the implications of decisions and actions risk free.

Benefits of Simulation in a Learning Burst Course

• Provides participants with realistic and relevant contexts in which to test and develop their understanding, knowledge and competence
• Practice inherent in simulations, enhances transfer of knowledge to on-the-job performance
• Enables participants to develop and internalize knowledge by applying new skills in a risk-free environment
• Provides real time feedback allowing participants to assess their current situation, analyze options for moving forward and measure results of past decisions and actions
• Fun way to learn grounded in solid design theory
• Can be used in team simulations thus enabling networking among virtual learning cohorts

The required components for a solid simulation in a Learning Burst course are:

• Make it realistic to the workplace
• Create the type of competition that will occur normally on the job
• Focus on the issues at hand
• Should be outcome driven
• Should not only create a team environment within the Learning Burst (if teaming) but should also create a network for use outside of the Learning Burst
• Needs to have an element of gaming within the simulation

There also is a proven sequence that you use a simulation in a Learning Burst course:

1. Inform students how to win
2. Describe how what the simulation teaches
3. Walk student through their first round of the simulation
4. Introduce the simulation
5. Describe the scenario
6. Provide background details
7. Explain how to play the simulation and the rules
8. Tell students what to do next
9. Provide them with a checklist of how to analyze results