Simulation teaching models can be a tremendous tool for instruction and learning which you will hopefully realize through this presentation.
What does this mean? Essentially it means that we try to use models of real situations or conditions that we can put our students or trainees in….so that they can benefit from those experiences. Again, teachers have been using this principle for a long time. Realistically, its merit for instruction/learning has been known probably for 1000s of years
Thought it would be interesting to research….but had absolutely no experience with this subject Or …so I thought?!?! In coaching (any coaching) we try to closely as possible simulate real playing conditions and situations all the time so that our students athletes or any competitor will be better prepared for the “real thing. As teachers, we do this every single day with our students. We try to prepare them for class responses, activities, tests ….we simulate real conditions… When you get right down to the heart of our mission…everyone’s mission as a teacher. We try to simulate real life situations, hardships and responsibilities….so that they will be better prepared for all of life’s challenges. SAY THIS AGAIN!
This topic could be a 3 hour presentation…. Or more fairly a semester course even. However…. Ultimately, I want you, my audience to be able to take meaningful ideas back to your classrooms and work environments…so that you may possibly consider when or where a simulation training model may best be applied to your instructional situation. First, though wanted to provide some more basic background info for you….
Ideally, Simulations allow learners to make effective connections to real life situations and provide quick feedback to interactive choices its learners make, thereby providing opportunities for rapid experiential learning curves. Simulation is essentially “knowledge visualization;” which is a powerful learning mechanism through the use of visual representations to transfer knowledge between two or more people.. This idea’s function is to improve the transfer of knowledge This can now be done efficiently by using computers and has for a much longer period of time been done with non-computer based visualization methods. Some quick examples of visual formats are: sketches, diagrams, snapshots, graphical images, interactive visualizations, information visualization applications and imaginary visualizations as in stories.
These mistakes are of course in an environment that is not critical to the outcome of the job….but preparatory in scope. So THAT the outcome IS positive when in fact that critical job or task is carried out. As you might imagine… Simulation is paramount in this second point. I could speak to you for hours on each of these areas. Plug in example
You will see examples of all 3 and then some…
Again, the value in simulation theory was recognized centuries ago. Perhaps longer than we even realize. However, here is a documented version of a simulation experiment only 100 years ago, from 1910. The value of simulation (for teaching/learning) was recognized and established in our past. So here in this example: The training simulator (called “Teacher”) was constructed from components which could in fact be used to build an actual flying machine, and was really an aircraft mounted on a universal joint in an exposed position and facing into the prevailing wind. In this way it was able to respond in attitude to the aileron, elevator and rudder controls as would an actual airplane of this type.
… which simulated a tennis game between two players who could both play at the same time using hand controls. This was one of the first electronic video games to use a graphical display. How many of you remember pong? Pong was an evolutionary offspring from “Tennis for Two.”
We will be delving into some specific examples of how simulation theory and sim examples can be utilized in the classroom. First, we’ll consider other pertinent Ed-related examples/situations where simulation theory can and has been practiced.
Most of us work in education. So, one of which we are familiar… fire drills have been practiced as long as there have been public school systems. More recently, schools have adopted this same drill Simulation model to practice lock down drills and severe weather drills . Why, because these are more recently recognized threats to the school systems. Simulation models have been used to try to deter kids from drinking and driving The same is true for the “simulator”
In this field there are: 1). Simple models 2). Interactive models 3). Computer simulators
Bernie Madolf was able to brilliantly project through simulations what market sectors were going to be SURE bets. Companies and industry spend billions of dollars each year on training their employees. Simulation training is becoming more and more prevalent. “ Go to meeting” is an example of a simulation meeting where pertinent ideas can be exchanged….all the while saving on transportation and lodging costs, bringing people together across vast distances. Same goals can be accomplished Pentagon attack 0-:40 A few weeks ago CNN ran a special of a cyber attack simulation on America… in order to better prepare our leaders and experts to the possibility of what COULD happen…if there were such an event in the future.
I was fortunate enough at WGAL to catch the simulation model of the impending Feb 5 th Snow storm. Made the visit early on the morning of Thursday Feb 4 th . Emulators are something we all have seen and in fact rely on for simulation PREDICTIONS of what our weather conditions will be like, (show example) Aviation simulators….these should not a complete unknown for most of you as you may have at 1 point seen or considered that pilots need some means of training. Which….leads us to the next subtopic…. How many of you played video games with your kids?
The following are examples, from which you will hopefully gain some ideas from simulation examples that you can take along back to your work environments….
Social studies departments have adopted simulation theory to engage in Model UN and Mock Trials. This requires a great commitment of time and resources, but the value in learning has been widely recognized. Perhaps some of you have had experience with this. But, how many of you have had experience with creating new cultures? If you can’t see where I’m going with this, consider the following clip. This is a very powerful message and reminds me a lot of “shift” if you’ve ever seen it. This is the longest clip, but I feel is rather thought-provoking…pardon the pun. 0-4:00.
2D examples – what we’ve all grown up with diagrams on a black board Occasionally, we were really TREATED by our teachers to 3D models…these were often models smaller than the real environment but not always…consider all your Chemistry 2D and 3D models…. Experiments – were and still are used to prove theory and scientist laws. These were usually activities using physical activities from which we were to draw conclusions or were to confirm information we were just taught in class. How many marveled at a planetarium whether they were lucky enough to visit one as a child…or even an adult?
How many of you have a math background? I consider myself pretty solid in math…even had 2 years of Calc way back in college. But please don’t ask me how much Calc I can remember. Would this have reinforced our understanding…. Show first 3 min
Teachers have been taking their students back in time to imagine places and envision imaginary visits of people back through human history. For what, maybe thousands of years back in time??? Now those students can be a part that fantasy world through 2 nd life.. They can virtual role play. You LA people….can probably imagine the possibilities…
Teaching in music departments, one does not need to master all instruments
We have to wonder what is next? Again, one can only wonder…. This example might be a brief sample of some things to come…. 0-1:30
Can’t neglect our outstanding library professionals Amy and Diane… 0:50
Here again, an absolutely critical high stakes field and profession where mistakes can cost people their lives. Any kind of training can and does greatly benefit all. Serena, to your knowledge is LGH utilizing simulation training?
And combine this with rapid exponential growth in technology. Those who want to assure themselves of job security in the future. They can’t go wrong in pursuing this direction.
Any questions or discussion points you wish to make