This week I'm going to take a bit of a step away from simulations role in education, and talk about simulation theory. Simulation theory is the idea that all of what we know as reality, is a constructed simulation. There are many people who have joined in on this argument both for and against the theory. In short, the argument supporting the theory states that the reality we live in has been constructed by a superior being, or beings, and control what happens around us. The argument against is grounded by the fact that we created simulations and control them. I want to know your thoughts on this. Even if this theory isn't real, does it provoke a conversation about the limits of technology? When have we gone too far, will we ever come to the point of too far?
Within the healthcare system there are three main uses of simulations, education, assessment, and research. Simulations in education allow students to have practice in between learning the material in class, and trying it out in clinical's. It is one more step to enhance their skills, and ensure the patients safety. Simulations in assessment work in a similar way. The students will demonstrate their skills beyond a typical written test. They demonstrate their competency through realistic action. Research simulations are different than the previous two, because these are done through constructive, or computer based, simulations. This means that nobody interacts with it. Instead the scenario is set up with all of the details that they are trying to test, and then it plays out on its own. This is a very low risk way to research medicine and disease because no animals or patients are involved. This is just a basic overview, but if you like more information I encourage you to visit th...