Simulate — use tools and people to stimulate your learning

In the section on visualization we discussed mental practice, or strengthening task performance by visualizing the task in our mind. Simulation instead uses external aids to help you practice tasks and skills. These aids provide varying versions of the full task environment. Simulation works because it provides many of the same cues the real environment does, to which you need to respond to correctly.

Simulation is effective. This is why airlines spend millions of dollars on simulators to train pilots. However, this section shows how you can gain many of the benefits of simulation by using readily accessible equipment and people.

In this section, I talk about two forms of simulation. Task simulation is one, and this is the focus of this section. I also talk about using role-playing, or "role simulation."

Key benefits and implications of simulation

• What are the basic benefits of simulation? Is it cost effective, does it provide a good training environment, does it support variability and part task training?
• The importance of getting the right instruction, and how to avoid negative transfer.

The role of fidelity

• What is fidelity, and does higher fidelity lead to better training? What about the importance of cues, cuing or prompting in the training environment?

Using Simulators

• Covers three general types of simulators that you can potentially use in skill-based training. These are, basic simulators that involve simple objects and your imagination, simulators running on personal computers, and full scale simulators.
• Can you also use the actual equipment (eg an aircraft or vehicle) for simulation purposes?
• How to create and use basic simulators, including a specific example on creating an aircraft cockpit using standard household objects. For the aircraft example, see how to create the yoke, throttle, mixture control, switches, flap and trim control, radios and transponders using a desk, glasses, books, bulldog clips, saucepans, clock radios etc.
• Using PC-based simulators, not only for flight training, but also for sailing, surgery, photography, marketing, management, military & war, cars, trucks, trains, building & construction, ships, weather forecasting, and more.
• Also includes specific tips on using simulators, including the importance of upfront instruction, not becoming reliant on simulation, and using it as a supplement to actual training.

Using Role Simulation (Role Playing)

• Use other people for role playing.
• Examples where you can use role playing, such as for sailing, flight training, and negotiation, sales and communication training.