Shaping the Future of Higher Education Through Simulation Based Learning

“It’s like real life, but better”

By amplifying real-life situations and expanding the possibilities, simulation-based higher education is causing waves of disruption.

Many universities are strengthening their academic capabilities by adopting the simulation-based curriculum architecture.

The market is growing. Many new players are coming in. And this is just the beginning. Let us take a glance at the market.

The simulation and virtual training markets are expected to earn a value of $601.85 Billion in 2027 from $204.41 Billion in 2019 according to Allied Market Research.

It also states that the CAGR from 2020 to 2027 will be 13.7%.

The virtual training and simulation market is expected to have enormous growth post the pandemic.

This is mainly due to an ever-increasing demand for certification courses, LMS, corporate learning, online content, and other higher education technology trends.

Techavio projects a CAGR of 18% post-2020 for the global simulation market in the higher education sector.

The total market share was dominated by the STEM segment with 77% according to Techavio.

To gain this kind of momentum, the definite factors are the post-pandemic landscape and the extent of applicability of simulation-based learning.

The growth is also fuelled by a lot of other benefits that stem from this innovative model of education. Let us take a look at some other major benefits.

Benefits of Simulation Based Learning

1. Real Life Experience

Simulation crafts a computational learning medium. This allows sculpting real-life scenarios where the students can practice their theoretical knowledge.

The major benefit is that it is a consequence-free reality where outcomes can be played with and observed without any loss or effect. Virtual exploration models also help in better retention.

2. Responsive Approach

When in the professional world, most students are lost due to inadequate experience and a sort of impotence within the bookish rote learning system.

Gathering experience takes time. Virtual learning environments can reduce this recess between curriculum and career.

For instance, in a chemistry lab, the negative outcomes are simply explained to the learners without causing actual harm.

However through simulations, the negativity can be experienced by the learner in a non-harmful manner.

3. Versatile

Simulations can be experienced through a large number of devices. This enables the learner to access their learning materials at any time, at any place, without compromising the glory of the system.

4. Cost-Effective

Due to the lack of recurring expenses, simulations are much more feasible and appreciated by educational institutions. It is a one-time investment.

With these benefits insight, it comes as no surprise that a lot of educational institutions are adopting this framework to deliver academics.

Before we look at examples of institutions that adopted simulation-based learning effectively, let us quickly glance at what the institutions need to keep in mind for successful adoption.

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How to Incorporate Simulations into Academic Delivery

There are three steps to take care of while attempting to provide this hands-on learning experience to students: Preparation, Participation, and Post Simulation.

1. Preparation

Focus the simulation on course goals and not the extent of the tech. Familiarize facilitators with the supporting material for the virtual learning environment. Train the facilitators to the complete extent of the functionality of the tech.

2. Participation

Ensure active student participation. Explain the outcome and the key takeaways before jumping into the exercises.

3. Post Simulation

Simulations are best when used as a catalyst. Post the simulation, explain the key concepts to facilitate a deeper understanding among the students.

The most successful simulation integration into academic delivery was done following the above-mentioned measures. Let us take a look at a few examples of this.

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Use Cases of Simulation Based Higher Learning

The Carleton University in Canada has integrated simulations into their undergraduate program, especially in the Science stream. 

The University of South California is extending a simulator-based training facility through VR in medical education for anesthesiologists.

Tehran University of Medical Sciences provides intubation skill training through simulations.

Now that we have touched upon the current benefits and use cases of simulation-based higher education, let us peek into the future and conclude. Why is this tech booming now? And where is it going?

Summing Up

The transformation at a global scale began at the onset of the pandemic. Declining revenues and increasing costs demanded a new horizon to be opened up in the higher education spectrum. This gave way to three predictions (InsideHigherEd):

A substantial increase in blended learning.

An online learning front will be a strategic integration at every institution.

The digital transformation will be ruled by an aggressive adoption of the simulated learning experiences.

The final prediction is key. With other industries like defense, healthcare, aviation, automobile, etc turning to simulation-based industry presence, education will not be left behind. We end by listing the current options with universities adopting AR VR technologies.

Using simulation tools

Using screen-based simulations

Implementing virtual interfaces

The future of academics will be largely driven by technology. The prominence of content will be matched by the prominence of the channel.

We acknowledge this shift at iXR Labs and are in pursuit of tech-driven education delivery. To know more, visit us at www.ixrlabs.com.