Simulations, Demonstrations and Screencasting
This page provides links to a number of general resources on the use of demonstrations, screencasting and simulations in learning.
Articles in date order, most recent first.
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"There has been much talk in recent years about the use of simulations and gaming in education, both for children and adults. They also provide a safe environment for testing problem-solving techniques without the risks that we encounter in the 'real' world." Ulises Mejias, Line 56, The E-Business Executive Daily, 18 May 2006
Added: 24 May 2006
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What is a screencast?
"If you want to teach someone else how to use your new software or web service there is little that comes close to the effectiveness of a good screencast. A screencast is nothing else that a screen recording accompanied by an audio commentary done by the screencaster explaining what is happening on the screen as it happens." Robin Good, 2 May 2006
Added: 2 May 2006
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"If you are interested in learning more about screencasting, here are some useful information about the history, use, application and technology required to create effective screencasts."
7 things you should know about screencasting
"A screencast is a video recording of the actions on a user's computer screen, typically with accompanying audio, distributed through RSS. Screencasts can be thought of as video podcasts. They provide a simple means to extend rich course content to anyone who might benefit from the material but cannot attend a presentation." Educause
Added: 21 March 2006
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Clark Aldrich's Six criteria of an educational simulation
Clark Aldrich's Six criteria of an educational simulation
"The more I build, evaluate, and discuss educational simulations, the more I realize we need to establish some better terms. Specifically, there are six criteria that are emerging as critical, and ultimately not just to simulations but all educational experiences." Clark Aldrich, Learning Circuits.
Added: 18 October 2004
Reviewer's Note:
Three criteria, linear, systems, and cyclical, describe content. And three, simulation, game, and pedagogy, describe delivery.
Making the most of software simulations
"Asynchronous simulations are an effective way to train end-users on a new software application. They facilitate a high degree of learner interaction and offer learners opportunities to try out the new software application before it is implemented; practice using the new software in a low-risk environment without affecting real data; build confidence and enable learners to self-assess whether they're ready to use the new software on the job." Shannon Estabrook, Learning Circuits, September 2004
Added: 27 September 2004
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Role play simulation for teaching and learning
Role play simulation for teaching and learning
"This site presents a collection of papers on the theories and applications of role play simulation for teaching and learning. There are links to other educational simulation references and to a bibliography of related articles."
Added: 15 July 2004
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The demonstration section showcases some of the simulations that have been generated using Fablusi, a role play simulation generator, described in the paper section.
Desperately seeking software simulations
"At a time when there are more simulation authoring tools available than ever, it's good to ask the question, "Just want do we want our simulations-and simulation authoring tools-to do?" Michael Feldstein, eLearn Magazine,
Added: 7 April 2004
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The promise of online simulations
The promise of online simulations
"Online simulations have the potential to add enormous value to corporate training environments. Simulations are fun and engaging and allow learners to internalize knowledge by applying new skills in a risk-free environment. This can dramatically increase motivation and retention rates-and provide a high return on training investments." Bjorn Billhardt, Chief Learning Officer Magazine, February 2004
Added: 4 February 2004
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This article defines simulations and then discusses what topics are best taught through simulations as well as the characteristics of successful simulations
Making it happen: the Bechtel Safety Simulator Case Study
"Building a high-visibility e-Learning application in a big company is often a true test of an e-Learning professional's mettle. But, like ships' captains, project managers gain their reputation only in stormy weather. Read this story of trials and triumphs as two producers show you a style that wins awards -- and gets budgeted again next year." Julie Marsh, eLearning Developers Journal, December 2003
Added: 21 December 2003
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Sims, Sims, Sims
"Modeling and simulation are leading the assault of new learning technologies that are winning favor with the U.S. military. Meanwhile, corporate training executives should keep an eye out for new techniques suitable for the workforce." Paul Harris, Learning Circuits, October 2003
Added: 20 October 2003
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A look at the use of simulations in the armed forces
Simulation classification system
"The challenge: Ensure that trainers and facilitators succeed when they use simulations by matching trainer skill level and needs with simulation requirements." Chris Musselwhite, Learning Circuits, August 2003
Added: 17 August 2003
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Simulations and the future of e-Learning
Simulations and the future of e-Learning
"Simulations and the Future of Learning offers trainers and educators the information and perspective they need to understand, design, build, and deploy computer simulations for this generation. Looking back on his recent first-hand experience as lead designer for an advanced leadership development simulation, author Clark Aldrich has created a detailed case study of the creation and deployment of an e-learning simulation that had the development cycle of a modern computer game. With this book Aldrich, a leader in the e-learning field, has created an intriguing roadmap for the future of learning while taking us along on an entertaining rollercoaster ride of trial and error, success and failure."
Updated: 12 August 2003
Reviewer's Note:
Clark was an analyst at Gartner, but he left in 2000 and put together a small team including game-designers and AI specialists, and, starting from scratch, spent two years building a Leadership simulation that followed the development cycle of a modern computer game. This is book about the experience.
Simulation: bringing e-learning to a new level
"Simulation technology has become a critical training application." Phil Davies, ComputerUser.com, July 2003
Added: 11 August 2003
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Pretending to learn
"For Kimberly-Clark, a Dallas-based global consumer products company, the process for launching new products is practically its heartbeat. But after repeated efforts to teach Kimberly-Clark employees about the process with PowerPoint presentations and meetings, a lot of them still didn't understand it. Others got it, but couldn't remember how it worked three months after they'd learned about it." Holly Dolezalek, Training Magazine, August 2003
Added: 10 August 2003
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They turned to a concept that was part simulation, part game and part video presentation. Now only available to subscribers of Training Magazine
"Must pressures to control the cost of e-learning doom corporate learners to slide lecture? If you're an e-learning designer yearning to break free of linear lectures that pose as performance development, here are two designs for cost-effective learning simulations." Tita Theodora Beal, Learning Circuits, 9 May 2003
Added: 11 May 2003
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Interactive Simulation Newsletter
Interactive Simulation Newsletter
"This newsletter is brought to you by Jonathan Kaye and David Castillo, the authors of "Flash MX for Interactive Simulation," the first practical guide to building interactive product simulations and performance-based training in Flash."
Added: 17 April 2003
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Sign up to receive the accompanying source code and automatic notification on future newsletter releases
Scenario-based e-learning model: A CDC Case Study
"Using a framework proposed by Clark Aldrich, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reflects on its recently released linear e-learning program--and the components that give it a dash of simulation. The CDC conclude that the program has an engaging interface and the feel of a simulation because it's scenario-based. More important, it requires the learner to apply knowledge and skills in a realistic format." Nancy Gathany and Dr. Jeanette Stehr-Green, Learning Circuits, April 2003
Added: 7 April 2003
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Developing simulations with tools you already know
Developing simulations with tools you already know
"Simulations can be very expensive to build due to the time it takes using traditional e-Learning tools (not to mention the learning curve required). This article will introduce you to capabilities of a tool that you probably already use -- Excel -- that is also an excellent simulation development tool. Here's a step-by-step process for quickly and easily creating rich simulations for a fraction of the cost you'd expect."
Added: 5 December 2002
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How to create a break-even simulation
"The EnterTech Project is one such training program. Developed to rapidly impart job skills to unemployed and underemployed persons, the EnterTech simulation recreates a technology manufacturing plant in which students take on the role of new hires receiving new employee orientation and cross-training in core company functions. They start in the warehouse division as shipping and receiving clerks, move next into materials handling, and finish as material assemblers building and testing electronic equipment." Melinda Jackson, 1 October 2002, e-learning Magazine
Added: 5 November 2002
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The power of simulation-based e-learning (SIMBEL)
The power of simulation-based e-learning (SIMBEL)
"Creators and managers of e-Learning are under pressure to obtain the highest leverage possible in every learning experience. Simulation-based e-Learning (SIMBEL) offers the optimum experience in may cases, especially when blended with instructor-led activity. Simulation makes it possible to maintain learner enthusiasm and to support real performance change." Randal Kindley, eLearning Developers Journal, 17 September 2002
Added: 19 September 2002
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"This article presents a delivery method that can surprise and delight learners and managers alike.
Encourage your employees to play
"Simulations provide opportunities to learn about making complex decisions" Jack C Green, Graziado Business Report, Pepperdine University
Added: 27 August 2002
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Think you can run Enron? Play the game
Think you can run Enron? Play the game
"It might not have fully averted the WorldCom or Enron disasters, but Clark Aldrich figures his new software could have at least taught employees at those companies a few things about ethics and decision making." David Becker, CNET News, 10 July 2002
Added: 12 July 2002
Reviewer's Note:
A good example of simulations in learning
Simulations: virtual reality for certification
"In the not-too-distant future, certification exams will do more than give a percentage or indicate "pass" or "fail" on a single vendor's technology. Certifications will present real-world, problem-based scenarios, measuring how many years of experience you have and testing the required skills in a heterogeneous environment. Current strides in simulation technology make all of this possible." Noel Vallego, Certification Magazine, July 2002
Added: 23 June 2002
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Scenario-based e-learning: a step beyond traditional e-learning
Scenario-based e-learning: a step beyond traditional e-learning
"Scenario-based learning is similar to the experiential model of learning. The adherents of experiential learning are fairly adamant about how people learn. Learning seldom takes place by rote. Learning occurs because we immerse ourselves in a situation in which we're forced to perform. We get feedback from our environment and adjust our behavior." Randall W Kindley, Learning Circuits, May 2002
Added: 10 May 2002
Reviewer's Note:
A very comprehensive look at scenario-based learning
The 2002 US market for e-learning simulation: The shape of the next generation e-learning market
"Conventional e-Learning-what we sometimes call first generation e-Learning-is now past the market creation phase and well into a value creation phase."
Added: 3 May 2002
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E-Learning Simulations: Tools and services for creating software, business and technical skills simulations
Simulations work. In fact, they're one of the most effective ways to learn. Simulations are based on a simple, but effective, learning strategy-practice makes perfect.
Added: 3 May 2002
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$395 to download. Complimentary executive summary
"Simulations are poised to change the direction of e-learning. But who will take the wheel?" William Powell, TD February 2002
Added: 1 May 2002
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Instruction and feedback models for software training
Instruction and feedback models for software training
"In other words, what are the different ways we can use simulation to teach end-users how to effectively use the software application, and how can we confirm that end-users are actually learning?" Anthony Karrer, Alan Laser, Laura Sund Martin, Learning Circuits, March 2002
Added: 25 March 2002
Reviewer's Note:
Read the article below this one first
Simulation levels in software training
"Web-based training is a common method for instructing end-users on how to work with software applications effectively. A key aspect to WBT programs is the use of simulations. However, even relatively simple software applications can be extremely complex and require a large range of user interactions. But building a simulation of every application feature makes the training module as complicated as the application. For this reason, instructional designers employ several techniques to simplify simulations for training, including screen capture, point-and-click, data input, multiple paths, and full simulation." Anthony Karrer, Alan Laser, Laura Sund Martin, Learning Circuits, September 2001
Added: 25 March 2002
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Simulations in education: a primer
Simulations in education: a primer
"This tutorial examines the role of simulations in education, paying particular attention to their potential for delivery alongside other learning materials in an online environment. "
Added: 2000
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