Are you looking for ways to facilitate a real-world experience in your online training course? In this article, I’ll share 7 creative ways to use online training simulations.
How To Use Online Training Simulations
Online training simulations put corporate learners through their paces so that they can build essential skills and apply their knowledge. They also allow them to learn from their mistakes without having to face negative repercussions. As such, these interactive online training tools are a popular choice among eLearning pros and their audiences.
Here are 7 inventive and unexpected ways to use online training simulations.
1. Expose Corporate Learners To Everyday Disasters
Every day your corporate learners run into problems and challenges they must overcome. These are the mundane disasters that threaten to derail their goals. However, you can give them the online training tools they need to navigate difficult situations with online training simulations.
Namely, worst-case scenario simulations that test their mettle and apply real pressure. For example, they must appease an unhappy customer or clean up a hazardous spill. Even something as simple as resolving a workplace conflict can help build vital skills and experience.
Once corporate learners know how to tackle the extremes, they’re better equipped to handle more common challenges they may encounter.
2. Turn The Tables
It can be difficult to step outside of your headspace and see things from a different point of view. Online training simulations give corporate learners the unique opportunity to explore the customer’s perspective. Thus, they’re able to empathize with their needs and concerns in the real world.
The same principle applies to other individuals they may interact with on a regular basis, such as co-workers or peers. The table-turning online training simulation should focus on personas with relatable backstories. For instance, explain why customers are looking for the product in the first place.
Or why they are so unhappy about the service they received in the past. Then allow the corporate learner to step inside their shoes and experience the situation from a whole new angle.
3. Add The Element Of Mystery
Life is full of little mysteries. So, why not include a bit of intrigue in your online training simulation? Invite your corporate learners to play the part of the detective. They must uncover clues, interview characters, and use their critical thinking abilities to solve the problem.
You can include virtually any setting, which makes it ideal for real-world tasks that require the first-hand experience. For example, for corporate learners to get to the bottom of why a sales terminal is malfunctioning, they have to use their pre-existing knowledge and tech skills to troubleshoot the problem.
4. Fantastical Tales With A Practical Twist
Everyone loves a good fantasy story. But they aren’t necessarily the best online training tools to impart real-world experience.
Fortunately, you can blend fantasy and fact to create engaging online training simulations. Start with a storyline that blurs reality, such as a tale or fable that features mythical environments or characters. Then figure out how you can tie it into real-world obstacles.
For example, corporate learners need to build their teamwork skills to collaborate more effectively or lead the group. Your fantasy-based simulation might center on a troupe of elves who need to work together to defeat a common foe.
Throughout their brief journey, they encounter a number of challenges, all of which relate back to the skills your corporate learners need to improve productivity.
5. Skill-Based Survival
One of the most notable advantages of online training simulations is that they mimic real-life emotions. Corporate learners immerse themselves in the environment and feel what it’s like to be in the middle of the action, minus the risk.
Skill-based survival simulations are rooted in that emotional connection. Participants must keep their wits about them, even under pressure, in order to reach their destination. Along the way, they build vital skills and experience.
Your skill-based survival simulation can include post-apocalyptic landscapes with zombie foes, or something as commonplace as a crowded office building where corporate learners must survive a busy workday.
6. Explore The Inner Workings
This is a fly-on-the-wall approach that allows corporate learners to explore every component of a tool or task. For example, the online training simulation shrinks them down to size so that they can explore the inner workings of complicated machinery.
They get to see how all of the parts are connected and how they fit into the big picture, as well as what happens when one component does not function properly. In regard to tasks, corporate learners have the opportunity to delve into each individual step to see what’s involved.
For instance, which skills or online training resources they need to complete each phase.
7. Team-Based Trials And Tribulations
This is an ideal simulation strategy for groups who can’t seem to collaborate or communicate effectively. Each team is invited to participate in an online training simulation, paired with social media tools. The online training simulation should focus on practical problems that teams face during a typical project. You can even encourage them to use
Project Management online platforms or video conferencing tools to make it more collaborative. Corporate learners are able to share ideas and discuss each phase of the online training simulation in real time.
For example, they can complete the online training simulation autonomously, then discuss their results. This allows them to provide feedback and reflect on their performance with fresh eyes.
You can also create team-based simulations whereby each corporate learner is assigned an avatar or character. This involves more time, planning, and resources, as you need to map out how group members will interact in the simulated environment, and how their behaviors and actions will impact the overall online training experience and desired outcome.
These creative online training simulation ideas give you the power to impart experience without boring your corporate learners to tears. They can explore real-world environments and overcome everyday challenges in a fun and engaging way. Thus, they are more likely to retain the information and keep coming back for more skill-building experiences.
