More Than Text(books)

A virtual simulation is a digital, constructed recreation that replicates real-life environments, scenarios, or procedures to allow users to practice skills, make decisions, and receive feedback in a safe, controlled environment. They can be highly technical, with rich media like videos and now, even A.I interactions, or they can be simple branching scenario where a particular choice leads you down a specific path. Simulations and scenarios are not determined by their quality, rather they are a “type” knowledge assessment. You may have heard about simulations being used in healthcare, trades, or aviation. Simulations can be helpful in almost any discipline. For example, in which discipline could you not use a little help with conflict resolution or communication!

Scenarios are used in education as an active learning strategy to place students in realistic situations where they must apply knowledge, analyze information, and make decisions.

You might also have heard that accessing an educational simulation can be expensive. It’s true, like textbooks, some of the third-party simulations can be expensive. However openly licensed simulations are becoming more available.

Here are some popular collections of open simulations and scenarios.

PhET

Founded in 2002 by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman, the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado Boulder creates free interactive math and science simulations. PhET sims are based on extensive education research and engage students through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery.

VirtuWIL

Transform your curriculum with over 200 virtual simulations—created by educators, for educators.

These interactive, computer-based experiences allow students to practice decision-making in realistic, risk-free healthcare environments, building clinical skills, confidence, and career readiness.

• Free to use and adaptable as open educational resources (OER).
• Easy to search and integrate into existing courses.
• Reflect diverse patient care with EDI-focused content.

Workplace Role Play Scenarios

From the Open educational resources collective we find this collection of scenarios to practice navigating difficult conversations, negotiations, and mediation.