So you have probably seen us post various tidbits on audio such as Emulating Human Voice-overs with TTS Voices on the blog. While solely utilizing text and graphics in simulations can work, the real question is: Does it really work? Voice talent is a large piece of the puzzle in any narrated simulation. Visual Purple simulations do allow for text (otherwise known as closed captioning) to appear in all of the simulation (not just at the decision points). Thus supporting those that learn better by reading as opposed to listening. Fully narrated scenes definitely enhance the learners’ cognitive processing, thus audio can be very effective for a variety of learning styles.
The Centre for People Development recently came out with a survey on trends in training… and survey says 73% of participants would prefer less classroom based courses. That’s a pretty high number of participants that are bored with current learning methods presented by their employer. And believe it or not, 87% were in favor of more e-learning/ mobile learning (which I translate into simulations). So there you have it, the trainees have spoken and they want more simulations!
According to the Encyclopedia of Educational Technology here are the 5 Levels of Simulation Design. Let’s start at the top…
Level 5: The Full Simulation
The most complex type of simulation design offering the trainee a fully immersive environment with all paths and options available.
Level 4: Multiple Input Paths
A more realistic type of simulation that offers the trainee/ learner the ability to gain a deeper understanding of more complex material presented.
Level 3: Data Input
Data entry or button choices highlight this level of simulation design. This method does offer a higher level of realism.
Level 2: Point and Click
This would be comparable to generic types of E-Learning simulation scenarios, just point and click. Nothing too complicated here folks!
Level 1: Screen Capture
Useful when doing an overview on a specific procedure, no real user interaction takes place on this level.
*Image courtesy of the Encyclopedia of Educational Technology
I have said it before and I’ll say it again – Gaming technology for military personnel is on the rise. High-ranking officials are getting up to speed and demanding engaging training tools for our troops. These tools are complementary to more costly dedicated training equipment and offer a unique, realistic and memorable experience for the soldier. One step in the right direction is that the military is getting more and more infused with virtual worlds. I have long lamented the benefits of virtual worlds for training our troops. TMCNet reported that “Virtual worlds also provide benefits to the military. They can introduce newer soldiers to a terrain and the local officials found in a country like Afghanistan. Or, they can help teach mechanics about how to repair airplanes or tanks.” Virtual world training allows for the soldiers to practice in a life-like simulation type of experience without all the inherent risks involved in battlefield OJT.
