Designing Digitally
11/07/2017
Training simulations are a great way to for employees learn a new skill or brush up on their existing ones. Employees can master their skills in a risk-free environment that helps boost their level of confidence.
Creating an effective and engaging simulation is not as easy as it may appear. There are tips to keep in mind while developing simulation training. Below are five of the main tips for successful simulation training:
This is true for all training and not just simulation-based ones. You need to have a clear reason for why you want to develop the simulation. You need to know your audience and what you want them to achieve. You should be clear on the problem you want to address. Once you have analyzed the problem that you need to solve, you need to understand if using simulations is the best way forward. If you are convinced on all aspects, then only move ahead.
If you want your employees to ‘feel at work’ you have to ensure that the simulated environment is as close to reality, as possible. Try and put in as many details as you can – the sights and the sounds. Your employees will need to identify with the tasks and the surroundings in order to be able to replicate their behavior at the workplace.
If you want their attention, you have to make it engaging. The introduction needs to hook the audience right at the very beginning. Use realistic characters and scenarios that they can identify with in the workplace. You need to create interesting titles and highlight key points. If you feel that the content is too dry, you may consider using subtle humor. Once you obtain their attention, you need to decide what you want them to learn. Here, you need to keep your expectations realistic and not drown the learner in too much content. Using a needs analysis will assist in this process.
Including elements with emotion have a positive effect on learners. The more the simulation triggers emotion, the more engaged the audience is with the training. You need to use storytelling and scenario-based approaches. Strive to make the training interactive and entertaining. Interactive elements like videos, images, games, and so on help learners to retain knowledge better.
It is crucial to show learners how the training will be useful to them in the real world. You have to tell them how to they can use the concepts they learned in the workplace. Allow them to make choices and deal with the results. If they make a wrong decision, they will be penalized. If not, they will reap the benefits. Either way, they get to learn skills that will help them at their workplace.
At Designing Digitally, Inc., we analyze your real training needs and then create the perfect simulation for you. Our solutions are cutting-edge and relevant to your business.
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