What sequence should information be presented in?
When
designing a simulation for training purposes, it is important to present
information in a logical
format, incorporating instructional design theories. In addition, an
effort should be made to keep the simulation instructions clear and
concise for the operator. Rather then inundating the operator with
details, concepts should be introduced gradually to allow time to adapt to
the virtual environment. The situations, choices, and outcomes should be
believable (Semler, 2002a).
Situations should influence choices, which in turn should influence outcomes.
Also, the rules of the simulation should
remain in the background to deter the user from attempting to “beat” the
simulation (Semler,
2002a). It is important to keep in mind that “the best simulations
are obvious in their simplicity yet not too abstract as to lose the interest
of the operator (Shirts,
2002).”Although simplicity is essential to simulations, tasks do not
have to be performed in a linear fashion. The beauty of simulation is that
it can create an environment where simultaneous tasks are performed
without the stress that normally accompanies real-world multi-tasking. (Image
courtesy of MicroWings, Inc).
See
also Frequency
See
also Performance Evaluation
