Reflections on ITEC 2009 conference

My recent attendance at ITEC (Europe's premier conference and exhibition dedicated to Defence, Training, Education and Simulation) confirmed the huge demand there is for realism in training for the defence sector. After all, the benefits to using virtual and 3D worlds are obvious: make a mistake on a simulated (rather than a real) flight, tank or gun range and you not only save lots of money but also potentially lives too. And this is aptly summed up by research at the University of Sussex into the use of immersive worlds, in particular for teaching the dangerous, the difficult, and the impossible.

However, I believe there is much more that realism can offer training in terms of learning potential. Familiarisation with an environment before a real encounter can bring about higher order thinking and deeper learning when faced with the real environment itself. Epic has already had success with this on a smaller (cheaper) scale by using 360 degree panoramic photography in e-learning – an environment that allows for simulating the action of the head when panning around a room and then exploring that environment just as you would in reality. Questions about where things are, or what things do, are all dealt with quickly and easily. And this allows for more time when reaching the real environment to engage in analytical questioning and thinking.

I have high hopes that ‘reality’ technologies of these kinds are only set to increase and have much promise of instigating more effective learning. (If only the same could be said of most reality television!) Yet, in the excitement they create, it is vital to remember that ‘real’ does not equate to learning. But, no doubt, as with all previous technologies that have gone before, the ‘technology driving the learning solution’ mistake will be made by some all over again. And all over again I fear there will be times when I will be forced to run screaming  ‘I’m an instructional designer, get me out of here!’

What do you think about 'realism' in training? Feel free to add your comments below.

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Paul Ladley
Posts: 1

Real Enough
Reply #1 on : Fri June 26, 2009, 09:39:59

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I have been developing simulations for 15+ years, and I would say real enough is what matters. In a system simulation, accuracy is the key, but for a lot of other situations the simulation needs to real enough.

For example, in simulations about local government where the key is to get over strategic thinking, cause and effect, partnership working, making the simulation accurate actually takes away from the learning. Accuracy can equate to boring and can limit who can use the learning.

In partnership / organisational development , accuracy can become dangerous. A model of a situation, is by its nature imperfect. We make sure we put a health warning on our simulations, as we have people believing they could use our simulation as a planning tool. This can be flattering, but as we say, the simulation helps to develop decision making skills, and is not there to make the decisions for you!