Experiential Learning Simulations, Role Plays & Games by Dr. Archana Raheja Ph.D. – Banking and Finance

Role Play Simulations Effective Learning = Experiential learning. Experiential Learning = Engaging the learner. Role Plays are the most evolving technique in Experiential learning. Role Plays can be a wonderful training method. But there are right ways and wrong ways to create them.” Source: Web based article Experiential Learning

Ten Commandments Of Role Play Creation 1.Don't Confuse Replication with Role Play Simulation 2.Choose the Right Subject to Role Play 3.Develop a Design Plan 4.Design the Role Play so Trainees Take Responsibility for Their Actions 5.Use Symbols to Deal with Emotionally Charged Ideas 6.Don't Play Games with Trainees 7.Use Non-Trainees to Add Realism 8.Develop an Appropriate Performance Assessment Model 9.Alpha Test Your Role Play in Low-Risk Circumstances 10.Set Your Own Standards for Success Role Play Simulations

Ten Mistakes in Creating Role Plays  Taking a linear approach to role play design  Trying to work with non-simpatico personalities  Premature closure  Establishing precise education objectives before designing the game or simulation  Accepting the criteria of the sponsor  Being “straight-jacketed" by reality  Trying to design simulations good for both research and training and education  Inappropriate use of chance  Failure to establish ownership  Failure to follow through to an appropriate level of completion. Role Play Simulations

 The biggest users of simulations, role plays and games for training are the US military.  The DoD has invested more than $1 billion in JSIM, its high-end simulation technology and uses digital game-based learning to train soldiers, sailors, tank-drivers and strategists.  The US military are aware that their new recruits are probably the first generation that grew up with computers, and who are liable to get bored with traditional classroom instruction. Users of Experiential Learning Department of Defence, USA Experiential Learning Users

Uses simulations in their IT training. Uses simulations especially role plays to allow the learner the freedom to explore in a 'safe environment', with no risk to real data. Boasts that they incorporate more simulations, including role plays, in its training content than any other vendor, with some courses including over 900! Netg Xebec McGraw Hill Simulations, role plays and games make it possible to ditch the tired old 'tell and test' strategy and bring about learning by discovery. Discovering for themselves helps students own the information, which in turn makes its application more certain whether that's a change in attitude or behavior, or applying a new technique. Users of Experiential Learning Experiential Learning Users

Uses game-like 3D technology to build virtual 'learning worlds' for learners can explore Even the potentially tedious pre-test has been re-designed as a quiz game Knowledge Power Wide Learning Uses stories and cartoon characters’ figure extensively “ Storytelling is a great way to get people in organizations to communicate. Often these stories can be humorous and humor can change moods and unlock creative thinking.' We are talking about learning, aren't we? It's easy to forget.” Sam Woodley Users of Experiential Learning Experiential Learning Users

 Software simulations:  replicate GUI environments and allow learners to practice complex tasks associated with common PC applications  enable programmers to enter code in all the ways supported by the live software  Business-modeling simulations:  are used in subjects such as finance and accounting  allow students to manipulate financial variables in a virtual company and learn how these variables interact  Role-play simulations:  challenge students to solve real-life problems in realistic situations  are based on interactions with virtual characters  enable learner to consult a wide variety of resources, including white papers, presentations and web links to realize the goals of the scenario Case Studies Skillsoft Simulations