Douglas Edwards
President
TestOut Corporation
One of the entrepreneurial folks making online learning a practical venue for student success shares his firm's wares. TestOut provides interactive simulations that let students learn by hands-on experience.
Distinguish between modern simulations and their predecessors.
The issue today is 'open' versus 'guided' simulations. Yesterday's guided simulations were a succession of screens. The learner clicks on a screen to progress to the next screen, and is essentially following a guided path to the desired knowledge. Today's 'open' simulation is driven by an engine that replicates reality as closely as possible in the learning situation. A well-designed engine enables multiple responses, even incorrect ones. Open simulations allow us to add one scenario after another to develop true proficiency in the learner.
Why would an IT instructional department want to use a simulation to teach computer networking technology?
Online simulations can help students become proficient in IT networking skills without purchasing, installing or maintaining the computer hardware and software necessary to have a test network in house. Ongoing savings for such an academic department are at least $30,000 per computer lab per year.
How will an IT instructor know that a student has mastered the material?
A built-in hosted reporting feature provides reports to each instructor about each student. In a controlled, simulated environment we can track everything that each student has done. On live equipment, such precision is unlikely.
Why is simulation a particularly suitable way to teach crime scene investigation online?
Simulations enable multiple participants, rather than just one particpant with the rest watching. Second, crime scene work is all about procedures, and simulation facilitates procedural learning. For an online learner it's the closest thing to real life.
Can we see an example?
Here is a portion of a simulated crime scene investigation found in the LabSim CSI course. Using video game-like simulation, the students must investigate how a woman ended up deceased in her home.
What follows that scene and why?
Several more interactive procedures follow in the simulation. The user is evaluated and receives feedback, such as elapsed time, tasks completed correctly and in sequence as well as tasks performed incorrectly. He or she may then repeat the simulation or proceed to a suggested area of study.
What schools are having success with your simulation courseware?
Crime scene investigation is popular at Virginia College Online. Computer networking is in popular use at University of Phoenix, Santa Fe Community College, DeVry, ITT Tech, Central Piedmont Community College, Florida Metropolitan University, Everest College, and many more.