Designing Digitally
01/30/2018
An important statistic to note is that 50% - 80% of the knowledge learned from workplace training fades away if learners do not apply it at work. This means that a large chunk of corporate training expenses is being wasted. A great way to plug the loss is through simulation training.
Business simulations have been used in one form or another for some time now. They are structured, interactive training experiences that emulate processes or procedures learners conduct at work. Simulations are not typically used as standalone tools. They are often combined with different learning practices like quizzes, coaching sessions, and eLearning modules.
There are several advantages of using simulations in your corporate training strategy. Here are the top five reasons training simulations can add value to your business.
If you offer a fun and interactive training experience to your learners, they will remember it better. Try teaching the same concept in two different methods – one through traditional teaching methods and another with the help of business simulations. At the end of it, the employees who learned via simulation will remember it much better.
Also, in training simulations, learners get prompt feedback. That means they are aware of their mistakes as soon as they make them, and can work on improving them. When learners receive constructive criticism on the spot, the improper behaviors are not committed to their long-term memory. Instead, they retain the correct knowledge and use it later.
Training simulations allow learners to practice as many times they wish to. They are allowed to make mistakes repeatedly until they reach their goals. They can explore different paths for the same problem to find out if they lead to better results. Learners can repeat the steps several times to gain confidence in their understanding.
Repeated practice boosts employee confidence. Since they have already made mistakes and learned from them, they can interact with clients and peers with confidence. Confident employees are happy employees who are more productive and retain their positions for longer periods of time.
Business simulations can be customized to branch out to different scenarios for different learners based on their performance. If an employee is not strong in a particular skill, the simulation offers them the training set that is essential to hone the weak skill. Each scenario will lead to a different outcome. Afterwards, learners can evaluate their performance and compare it with their previous ones.
Simulations emulate the workplace environment. They allow the learner to practice the tasks that they are expected to perform at work, but in a risk-free virtual space. Employees are allowed to make mistakes without the fear of harming the organization. Whatever mistakes they make will be in the virtual world. If they choose the wrong solution of a problem, then they can see what went wrong and correct it immediately. This mistake-driven learning approach ensures that they do not repeat the same errors at their workplace.
Since it is a virtual workspace, learners can try our new behaviors and ideas that they are hesitant to apply in their job role. They have a vast playing field to experiment and fine-tune their work processes. And, if it works in the virtual environment, they can implement it at the workplace.
Online training simulations go a long way to reduce training cost and the time spent on learning. Employees learn faster and retain information longer because they are learning by doing, as opposed to reading theories. As a result, they spend more time at their workplace. Their productivity is enhanced, which reflects in the bottom line.
Online training does not require the financial investment that classroom training does, such as paying for a venue, travel, and accommodations. Learners can work through online training simulations whenever they want and from wherever. This, again, saves a lot of time and money for the organization.
Online simulated training provide a wide range of advantages. These are just a few of them. But to reap the benefits to the fullest, make sure that you are aware of the learning needs of your employees.
At Designing Digitally, Inc. our realistic Training Simulations are the perfect way to teach skills and procedures that are dangerous or costly to perform. Learners can practice in a safe environment and gain confidence without the fear of substantial consequences.
Get in touch with our experts who can create simulated training solutions specific to your requirements.
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