Simulated Office Environment
It works!!!
Run your class as though it were a real business. In our learning institution we even had a ribbon cutting ceremony for our simulated business. The students were involved in the whole process from creating a business brochure to the catering of the event.
Patricia,
This is such a great teaching tool. You are helping them to connect the content and skills they are learning and developing to how the real world is going to be for them. The fact that they had fun doing it just made it that much better.
Gary
We have done something similar. We have a mock medical practice and the students have to take part in various office activities. We have instructors and other students volunteer as patients who have to enter the system. They are given a scenario and have to act it out. There were phone calls for prescription refills, complaints, requests for medical records. There was a walk-in patient which they were not prepared for. It taught them to expect the unexpected. What a great experience for them and it was a lot of fun for all.
Hi Cindy,
Great way to bring the "real world" into your instructional setting. This helps to give your students and accurate idea of what they will face when they are out in the work world.
Gary
I have an adjacent room to the classroom/lab that the students and myself have turned into an actual "patient examination room". When potential students come thru, they are really impressed and pleased with the setting. The current students can apply what they learn in the classroom with a true physicians office experience.
Ana,
Encouraging participation in discussion postings consists of three techniques. You can ask for more information from the student, tell a story relating to what the student’s discussion is about or as the student a relevant question. All three techniques work very well.
What a great idea! The students do enjoy activities that give them hands on experiences! Many of my entry-level students do not have much experience with their PC. With tools like Adobe Breeze, I can show them what steps to take to keep their workstations running in tiptop shape.
Carol
