Simulations & Adult Learning

Kellye Whitney’s (2006) article, “Simulations Build on Adult Learning to Accelerate Skill Building Application,” explores the popularity of simulations used by organizations for adult learning. Rommin Adl, CEO and President of Strategic Management Group Inc. (one of the largest simulation and multimedia training companies in the world), is cited throughout the article. Adl explains that simulations are popular because they allow adults to “learn by doing in a risk free environment” (Whitney, 2006). Other factors that favor using simulations for organizational learning are the ability for customization, engagement, motivation for adult learners who often lose interest quickly, and tailoring to different learning styles. Popular subject matters covered are project management, business acumen and leadership; all relevant to topics we frequently discuss in the EDTEC program, in particular performance technology. In relation to concepts we have discussed in class, Whitney (2006) discusses aspects of simulations that create an engaging experience, including “high levels of competition, employ[ing] humor and us[ing] real-world examples.”

Organizational learning via simulations is pragmatic; however, there are issues that are commonly considered, such as the cost and over-concentration on technology and not learning. The cost is usually justifiable because the ultimate ROI is actual results on-the-job, but somehow we need to figure out how to measure these results. I thought Adl’s statement nicely sums up the paradigm instructional designers often face: “A lot of technology companies get hung up on the technology, and they sacrifice the basic learning objectives and application that you want to get out of it” (Whitney, 2006).

Here is the link to the online article:
http://www.clomedia.com/content/templates/clo_article.asp?articleid=1555&zoneid=180


References

Whitney, K. (2006, October 4). Simulations Build on Adult Learning to Accelerate Skill
Building and Application. CLO Magazine. Retrieved October 5, 2006, from
http://www.clomedia.com/content/templates/clo_article.asp?articleid=1555&zoneid=180