NEW TECHNOLOGIES have greatly enhanced simulation-based learning, in which a person is placed into a scenario or situation and is directly responsible for the changes that occur as a result of their decisions. Recent developments in software, the Internet and virtual reality have created richer, more life-like learning experiences.

Learners can perform surgery or manage the growth of a city with the help of simulated environments. Problem solving skills, cause and effect, and even life or death decisions give the user a sense of purpose in their quest to tackle the real situation they are "playing with."

Screenshots of Sim City 3000 by Maxis Software

Software-based simulations offer the user a chance to take on complex role playing. The Sim City series, Oregon Trail, and Sid Meier's Civilization are examples of simulated game play in which participants are given a large scenario that they must manage with their decision making. The large timeline and quick response to their decisions give the learner a global insight to how their decisions can have an effect over a long period of time.

Students role playing astronomers in a WebQuest simulation.

The growth of the Internet has spawned a variety of simulations. WebQuests allow learners to use the web itself as a research tool. The learners work as a group, role playing as scientists and other occupations. They use the Internet to gather data and information that will assist them with creating a project. Historical and scientific simulations have also appeared on the Internet. Multiple users can collaborate on simulating a complex operation like running the federal government or managing a stock portfolio. Technologies like VRML and Shockwave have added more depth to the simulated experiences on the Internet.

The future in a helmet.

Virtual reality simulations mask reality and provide learners with a direct exposure to a task that normally could not be simulated. As compared to the large scenarios of software-based simulations, virtual reality simulations focus on a specific, complex task that normally might be too dangerous or expensive to simulate in a real world setting. Surgeons can learn how to perform a complex, life threatening surgery before they are faced with the real experience. Fighter pilots can fly dangerous missions with the aid of a virtual reality flight simulator.

Applications of Virtual Reality
Instructional Simulations: An Overview
Virtual Reality

Mike Guerena
Graduate Student
SDSU Educational Technology