Selecting Simulation Authoring Tools and Environments By: Simon Puleo

Why Experiential Learning? “Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand.” Confucius 450 BC

Experiential Learning Benefits Learner –Practice in a safe environment –Ask questions –Discover the correct path Administrator –Track performance in a simulated environment –Use statistical analysis to uncover critical paths Designer –Create true performance based objectives –Create evidence based simulations that assess against actual performance

Screen Based Simulation Types Physical Skill –Perform an operation –Play a sport Technical Skill –Perform a procedure –Discover evidence through process or analysis –Create evidence by using a procedure or analysis Social Skill –Analyze and discover the meaning of a conversation –Educate others –Influence others –Lead or be part of a team –Criticize/take criticism –Use specific language or jargon to convey meaning –Defend a person, product or idea –Sell/Present a concept or product –Negotiate –Show resilience –Reacting quickly (Thinking on your feet)

Authoring Tool Matrix See Handout

Adobe Captivate 2.0 Key Features Screen captures for software simulations Branching Map Outputs storyboard SCORM/AICC/PENS compliant with scoring Zoom on graphics Integrated audio recording and editing Assessments Core Capability: Produce software and social simulations. Out of the Box Create text, image and audio simulation self paced simulations and assessments. Advanced Integrate video Integrate with Flash $599 per license

Core Capability: Production of animated character or “pedagogical agent”. $10,000 per license Code Baby Production Studio Additional Resources Designing Effective Nonverbal Communication for Pedagogical Agents Key Features Automated lip synching Automating Blinking Automated Gestures –Allows the learner to see visible thoughts thus reducing cognitive load. Out of the Box 12 male and female characters 2 backgrounds Advanced Javascript needed for branching 3D studio Max needed for customization of characters and environments

Core Capability: Production of social simulations using a unique storyboarding process that is integrated into the tool. $20,000 per 5 licenses, training and 1 year support NexLearn SimWriter Additional Resources Evidence Based Assessments Key Features Branching Map Write/Design Views Word Storyboard Import/Export Media Manager which helps facilitate video and audio scripts and files Decisions linked to one or many objectives. Objective based feedback reporting AICC/SCORM Out of the Box 15 male and female characters 3 3D stock backgrounds Advanced Video Production 3D Production Flash Scripting

Core Capability: Real-time multiplayer 3D environment. Free membership $72 per member annual fee Land $5 to $5,000 See for detailswww.secondlife.com Second Life Key Features Create avatar with identity apart from self Create 3D objects and land Play onscreen physical games Open architecture and scripting tool for creating custom interactions Import sound and graphics Persistent world Out of the Box Jeans and T-shirt Build Objects Advanced Integrate self-paced learning Create custom 3D objects Open GL and architecture

Summary Links and Resources Contact Simon Puleo