Workplace Simulations
Have you used electronic workplace simulations? How effective do you think they are in illustrating realistic situations?
Although I have not worked with, or heard of any simulation programs for Veterinary Technology, I would love to use them in our labs. I know that there is a veterinary school using Second Life as a platform for simulations. I would like to see something like this, or even be apart of creating something like this. I believe it would be very helpful. In life we sometimes learn more from our failures than we do from our successes. In human and Veterinary medicine, failure is not an option during learning exercises. We never want to lose a patient for educational purposes, we never want to lose a patient. But the fact is, it will happen. A simulation will allow students to do this without loss of real life.
Aneesah,
Workplace simulations are key to learning anything medical related. Clinical or Workplace simulations gives students exposure to scenarios that will encounter in their field. Being able to get quality feedback immediate and see how their peers handle the simulations is an experience that watching video or reading the text can’t necessarily provide.
Antoine Lewis
Workplace simulations are an extremely valuable resource for nursing students. It provides an opportunity for the students to engage in hands on practice in a safe and supportive environment prior to utilizing these skills on a live patient. The students are able to receive immediate feedback on their progress and are able to perfect these skills in a nonthreatening environment.
Aneesah
Bernie,
Workplace simulations have become so valuable. Simulating what this will have to do and being able to get immediate feedback is very important and prepares our graduates more than ever.
Antoine Lewis
We couldn't exist without simulations. One of the best I've found in the IT field is Testout.com, which now has added simulations for the students.
Scott,
Automotive and health related course should have computer animated simulations. The fact that students can get real world experience with a quick turnaround time on feedback is important. We you think of simulations it started with video games and now it is an important part of academics and training employees.
Antoine Lewis
Several of the automotive courses I teach have computer animated simulations of mechanical and electronic engine control faults that allow students to practice diagnostic strategies to discover faults on simulated vehicles. With instantaneous feedback, not only are they excellent learning aids, they save the campus thousands in repairs of live training aids. The exercises promote terrific discussions upon completion, which further aids learning. I can only imagine the cost and liability savings for the medical profession!
Stacey,
That was a good recommendation as it relates to shadowing and if they are serious and have time to do so they will make an effort to shadow and/or seek reputable outside sources.
Antoine Lewis
I can relate to Kerry's post. I too work in the clinic with students. We do not have a sim lab or video type lab to simulate the working environment that students might encounter in the future. They do get the digital radiograph experience a few times in the clinic and some charting in the computers is required. I hope that more sim lab or video presentations will be available to the students. I have recommended the students visit and shadow local facilities that offer the same services they are performing. Hopefully the shadowing will aid in inhanced learning.
Shaun,
Hands on learning has become more popular as it is what many student prefer and a good to combine with lectures. I believe in telling the student, showing the student and allowing them to apply what they have learned with the help of technology.
Antoine Lewis
kerry ,
It is good that people are in talks about using technology as it relates to clinicals and working in the classroom someday. Simulators and other tools are beneficial especially within the health profession. I hope the content from this benefits you in the near future.
Antoine Lewis
I believe it is very important and very benificial for us as educators to have work shops and labs for hands on learning. I know that is was very helpful for me since I am not a book smart person.
I do not work in the classroom. I am on the clinical track and deal with hands on clinical cases and education. I may need this information and talent in the future so the exposure is good. Future technology my bring clinic participation but it's not here in now. The closest technology for me now is digital radiographs. The future use of infrared and 3D radiographs is exciting. We all use the discussed technology outside of the clinic for a variety of projects. I am not yet in the classroom, yet I participated for education and facility requirements. Thanks kerry
Aldgenette,
No technology is perfect but it is good that you include simulations in the classroom. It can be a great way to learn soft skills.
Antoine Lewis
Yes, I have used workplace simulations in the classroom which is embedded in the program, created by the book publisher for the cours. I've have had so good, and some not so great illustrations with the MS software applications. By that I mean, while the simulation only shows one way to perform a task for a particular statement/process for the project. Anyone who's ever used MS Office knows that Microsoft gives you serveral ways to complete any task; whether it is menu driven, use of short cuts, etc. I personally don't think that it's not the greateast teaching tool when you must perform the task one way only, else it is marked incorrect.
Stephanie,
Have you looked to share this program with administration and show its benefits? It is good to know you have involving classroom technology to enhance your students learning experience.
Antoine Lewis
I have been exposed to a system that is a video computer program demonstration of the techniques utilized in our program. I would love to see it implemented.It helps the hands on students. The program can be added to each students computer.
They could use it in the lab or anywhere.
Barbara,
Form what I have read you are teaching, showing and allowing your student to apply themselves what the have learned which makes for a better learning experience.
Antoine Lewis
I have used workplace simulators in my classroom. My students love them. We use them for performing surgical procedures. I gives the students a different prosective and shows them what a surgeon goes through and therefore helps the stucents anticipate the surgeons needs, thus making them a better healthcare provider.
