Earlier this summer, we hosted a free webinar on designing simulation-based lessons in a post-COVID world. The webinar was co-hosted by longtime Realityworks product manager Denise Dubois and Kasey Carlson, RN, MSN, M.Ed. Kasey is former nursing instructor and an experienced curriculum manager. As such, she focused on three key concepts in her presentation:
- How to use simulation-based content in a post-COVID world
- Best practices for integrating simulation into lesson content to engage students
- What simulation can and should look like in a high-school CTE program
There’s still much uncertainty about the future of education, but as Kasey stated, teachers can still apply what they know works and create learning environments that are optimal for students. Here are Kasey’s tips for designing simulation-based lessons in a post-COVID world.
Understand the purpose of simulation
Nowadays, education is more than reading, lessons and exams. Simulation provides a real-life touch on concepts and brings them alive. It can be used to practice or assess skills… and in normal circumstances, we see both. These days, however, it can be difficult to get students the tech they need to succeed online. Kasey’s tip: Any simulation completed should be done without penalty.
“Think of it as practicing for success,” said Kasey. If you need to use simulation for testing, remember factor in technical difficulties and consider giving students more than one chance, perhaps taking the highest of two grades. “We need to be really conscious of the changes we’re putting the students under these days.”
Follow the steps for successful simulation
Whether you’re teaching entirely online, entirely in person or a mix of both, it’s important to follow four simple steps:
- Plan. This is where you as an educator design your simulation for your students. The layout should be consistent for everyone – everyone gets the same preparatory readings and videos; everyone has to meet the same objectives. Always match your objectives with your plan.
- Prepare. Pre-simulation preparation is the content or material provided in advance of the simulation experience. This can include readings, presentations or lectures. For a successful presentation, consistency is key. Work with your colleagues that teach the same material to ensure students get the same pre-simulation preparation. Use self-assessment or reflection activities to identify gaps in knowledge. Finally, spend time orienting students, online or in person, to whatever simulator or equipment they’re going to be using.
- Simulate. Just like you’ve prepared the students, it’s important for you as the educator to be prepared. Trial the simulation yourself so you know how it’s going to go. As you trial it, try to anticipate things that could go wrong or not according to plan. (And remember, the differences that you’ve noticed or the differences students notice make for great conversation after the simulation is over – and helps eliminate any passive learning.)
- Reflect. Whether you’re conducting a face-to-face simulation or an online simulation, reflection is key. Provide time for students to reflect on their experiences. This is an ideal time to review your objectives again. Ask students what went well in the simulation, and what they would change (the plus-delta system.)
What can be simulated?
When we think of simulation, we instantly think of hard skills… demonstrating, doing something. But what we need to consider, and what often works best online, is the soft skills. Teamwork, empathy, critical thinking. When designing your simulation, think of both.
For schools conducting face-to-face simulation, we know there will likely be the addition of masks, gloves and social distancing. Groups will likely be smaller and time will likely be limited. Really consider what needs to be done in person, and what can be done online.
For instance, are you simulating the skill of taking of blood pressure? While the specific activity of taking blood pressure is ideal for in-person simulation, online discussion can be used to address the preparation and follow-up steps.
For schools conducting online simulations, technology like webcams are key. With a webcam, you can offer a great first-person perspective on simulations during live meetings. And don’t forget to use what students have. If you’re on a Zoom meeting, you can have all students be on their cameras and use a tool they have at home to practice a skill.
Whether you’re conducting a face-to-face simulation or an online simulation, don’t forget to summarize your objectives. Be sure to consider how each of your students, as they go forth, will think about what they have learned. Doing this will ensure they don’t walk away thinking they didn’t learn anything.
Finally, make sure you’re comfortable with online technologies. Being creative and thinking outside the box takes teamwork. Speak with your colleagues, speak with your administrators and brainstorm how to get lessons to your students. The post-COVID educational world may have come with a steep learning curve, but with creativity and hard work, you can use simulation-based lessons to engage your students and prepare them for careers.
Learn more:
- Watch the entire presentation on “Designing Simulation-Based Lessons for High School Students“
- See the top Realityworks tools for at-home learning
- Find more tips for teaching remotely by attending our upcoming webinar, “Successful Remote Learning Strategies for the CTE classroom”