Today there are three general types of simulators that you can potentially use for training. There are basic simulators that use simple objects and your imagination. There are simulators running on personal computers. There are full-scale simulators used by advanced training organizations. You can also use the real equipment (for example the aircraft, yacht or car) for simulation. In this section I look at all these simulation methods.
Basic simulators involve using simple objects around you to simulate your real environment. Your real environment could be the cockpit of an aircraft, the driver’s seat of a car, the helm of a yacht, or the side of an operating table. This basic simulation can help you become familiar with the layouts and various controls. It also allows you to practice maneuvers using multiple controls, such as flying an aircraft, changing gears while turning the car, or tacking a yacht. Let your imagination run wild working out the best way to do this. See the text box titled “Basic simulator example” above for one example.
While basic simulation may seem silly, I suggest you get over it and just try it. If you don’t have a PC-based simulator, basic simulation is a great alternative. Even if you do have a PC-based simulator, the basic simulator may be more effective for practicing procedural skills. For example, think about reaching down and selecting aircraft flaps, or pulling on the car handbrake using a saucepan beside you. This is far closer to the real task than hitting a key on a computer keyboard.
If you are thinking this training is almost like acting like a child, you are right. Remember that children learn far more in the first fifteen years than most adults do in thirty. I believe a reason for this is they use their imagination well. If you can copy a child’s natural imagination and curiosity, learning is far easier!
Flight simulators are the most realistic and complex PC-based simulators publicly available today. However, there are also many other PC-based simulators available that may be relevant to your learning objectives.
A quick look around the Internet found PC simulators for sailing, surgery, photography, marketing, management, military and war, cars, trucks, trains, building and construction, ships, weather forecasting, and more. I even found a stapler simulation, with three different models!
You don’t always need specialized software either. Previously I’ve mentioned practicing public speaking or presentations using the following setup. Find an image of audience from a presenter’s perspective (from the stage). Using a computer image projector, project that image on to the wall. Stand in front of the simulated audience and practice your presentation techniques, for example making eye contact with individuals. Unfortunately they may not laugh at many of your jokes!
Seriously though, simulators are powerful training tools. With all powerful tools they can be dangerous if used wrongly. Because they are easily accessible, this also means that you are likely to be using a simulator without a supervising coach, instructor or trainer. Keep the following points in mind:
· Get the right instruction first. If you are just starting out in training, get the right training before starting to use the simulator. You may have to unlearn bad habits that you pick up in the simulator. Some of these bad habits may also come back at the worst time, for example in times of stress. Discuss using a simulator with your coach, instructor or trainer as well. They may have some useful information to share with you.
· Don’t become reliant on it. Don’t become reliant on the simulator to complete real-world assignments. An example from flight training: When you start navigation training, fly some of your early training routes in the simulator before the real flight. This can help you become more familiar with the area and procedures, resulting in an easier flight. However, don’t become reliant on flying the simulator before each training exercise to feel confident. After your third real flight navigation exercise, start setting your own routes and flying those in the simulator, rather than flying your upcoming training routes.
· Use as a supplement, not as a substitute. Using simulators correctly results in improving your skills, and potentially reduces the overall hours needed to achieve your objective. Reducing your training hours should not be your primary motivation though. Always keep in mind that most simulation is still part task training. One hour in the simulator does not always equate to one hour of training on real equipment.
Consider using any training hours saved via simulation to increase your competence and understanding. For example, if you think you have saved an hour or two of core training by using simulation, spend those hours on one or two optional lessons. Use overlearning, task variety or task interference scenarios, or study another related topic.
From the PC the complexity of simulation increases significantly. For example, some flying schools have full-scale enclosed simulators that do not move, and they may include these in their training curriculum. Some driving schools may also provide full-scale driving simulators. Airline training typically involves the full motion simulators costing millions of dollars. If these are outside your financial means, you can still gain many of the benefits of simulation using basic and PC-based simulation, or even the real equipment.
Another way to simulate is to use the real equipment without operating it. For example, for those learning to fly, try sitting in the aircraft before or after your flight. Run through your checklists and procedures without operating the aircraft. If you are learning to sail, spend some time on the yacht before training. Simulate some key maneuvers. If you are learning to drive, just sit in a car before your lessons and practice the activities you are learning. You don’t get all the cues that other simulators provide, however you also perform the tasks for real in this environment.
Combine this simulation with visualization, or role-play, for added effect.