Why Use Simulation-based Training?

The ultimate aim of organizational training is improving employee performance. Digital training modules attempt to make noticeable increments in the skills and knowledge of your employees, thus helping them perform better. E-learning courses use a wide array of instructional strategies to impart information in a meaningful and practical way that really makes a difference in the work life of employees. But most methods of knowledge transfer fail to give learners enough hands-on experience with the topic at hand.

A corporate environment is all about doing things rather than simply understanding them. Why shouldn’t your training reflect the same? Simulation-based training modules enable your employees to learn through applications and situations that mimic real life, and in a risk-free environment. Adding a simulation to the learning process can seal the deal by acting as the real-time practice employees long for. Let’s discuss some of the top advantages that make simulations an integral part of an effective training program.

Hands-On Experience

Directly allowing learners to use live productions applications such as SAP SRM, ERP, or Production Controllers, can prove to be hazardous. As such systems are connected to the real-world, a few wrong clicks, for e.g., can have costly repercussions such as shifting truckloads of supply material by miles, or stalling the production line.

When you use simulations in your training program, you circumvent such disasters by familiarizing learners with the applications beforehand. The simulation program exactly looks and functions like the real thing, giving learners the perfect environment to learn. By not using theory to explain to critical applications, you ensure that nothing is left to the learners’ imagination. Check how we helped our client train its global employees on their newly implemented HRIS.

Practice till Perfect

No one gets things right the first time. In fact, it takes many trials and errors to perfect any procedure or skill. Simulations take care of that by providing learners unlimited tries to hone their skills to perfection. If they fail at any step in the simulation, or make a mistake, they can simply start over again. This inevitably makes the learner repeat the entire process numerous times, making the employee well versed with the application.

Full Learner Participation and Immediate Feedback

With conventional learning methods, you can only evaluate your learners through tests and assessments at periodic intervals during the course. With simulations, the learner is tested on the entire activity in the ‘Try-Do’ part of the ‘Watch, Try, Do’ simulation. In case of any error while performing the activity, the learner gets immediate feedback. This allows them to identify and correct their shortcomings.

Branch Out

If you look at the components of an e-learning course, you will find that most of the methods to convey knowledge are passive. Be it videos, infographics, audio clips, or presentations, every method just puts the information out there, with the decision to grasp it or not left to the learner. Including simulations in your e-learning program helps you change this by branching out a little. It adds a fresh take on how knowledge can be imparted through practice and not by just understanding.

Ready for the Future

Simulations have not attained their full potential yet. Right now, they are just restricted to emulating specific application functionalities and situations. But, using the power of virtual reality devices, simulation-based learning can really go to the next level. VR devices, when combined with hand-held controllers can allow a user to “interact” with the virtual environment. You can use this to create highly realistic learning scenarios such as handling a hazardous outbreak, performing a fire safety drill, or getting a virtual factory tour – the possibilities are endless.

If used in the right place, simulations can act as catalysts to propel your organization toward success. The best part about them is that they are not expensive to create. Take the help of a leading e-learning vendor today to help you get started with a powerful simulation.