Successful systems eLearning brings the saying to mind, “It’s not what you do; it’s how you do it”. In this article, PulseLearning discusses 3 trade secrets that make for effective system simulation eLearning.
The Secrets Of Effective System Simulation eLearning
System simulation eLearning provides learners with a safe practice environment to try out new software, processes, or technology without the implication of mistakes. Training by simulation provides a real-life context where learners can experience hands-on training in an eLearning module that emulates the real thing.
Let’s face it; launching a new system can be daunting. Your business operations depend on employees getting up to speed with new software or technology quickly with the least number of issues caused. Before letting employees loose with live customer information in a new system or process, it is imperative to provide learners with plenty of opportunities to practice and engage with it.
Here are our 3 trade secrets that make for effective systems simulation eLearning.
1. Provide Guidance To Increase Engagement
Let’s start with one of the main traps of system simulation eLearning: Leading learners through long-winded processes without guidance. Before too long, the learner is just looking for the next place to click without cognitively engaging with the training; the goal becomes to make it to the end unscathed! The solution? Guide learners through the process. An audio narrator or video guide significantly increases engagement as it breaks up the interactivity by linking essential explanation with system action.
2. Integrate Meaningful Real-World Context
Building on the first tip, integrating a meaningful scenario with systems simulation eLearning can take training to the next level. Think of the most common tasks learners will need to perform with the new system and start there. You could even choose several key tasks and have learners complete a multi-chapter simulated situation.
Consider interspersing video into the scenario. For example, if the training is teaching a new point-of-sale system, video could be used to incorporate the customer’s perspective. The scenario can begin with a video of the customer arriving at the counter with products to purchase. Then the learner interacts with the system to ring up the items. Another video snippet shows the customer reaching for their wallet and asking questions about payment before learners finalize the transaction in the simulated environment.
3. Create A Learning Journey
Effective systems eLearning is usually comprised of three key simulation types:
- Show Me.
Learners can watch the steps in a system procedure with supporting text, which describes what is happening or is supported by recorded narration. - Teach Me.
This simulation guides learners through the “how to” complete tasks within a virtual mock-up of the system. - Test Me.
This is a real-life work scenario that will require learners to complete system tasks to demonstrate that they fully understand how to use all system features.
Your systems simulation eLearning might focus on one of the simulation approaches, or you can create learning journey by using all three simulations in sequence, building toward knowledge assessment in the Test Me simulation. The Test Me simulation could incorporate multi-branching pathways to show what happens when an incorrect course of action is taken. You could also intersperse reflective or knowledge-based learning checks at pivotal moments in the simulation.
Is your organization about to implement a new system or process? PulseLearning can help you ensure the transition is smooth by developing effective systems eLearning to support the change journey.
Check out our free eBook : SimuIation Training for Corporate Training | The Practical and Profit Benefits
