In short, simulation is the imitation of a process, however the world of simulation goes far beyond that. What a simulation is, is a model of a real life situation, and the person engaging with it can carry out real life actions without actually being in the situation. Simulations exist in many worlds such as education, science, healthcare, and even gaming. Each of which is using simulators for a different function. Throughout the semester I'll post more in depth about how each of these uses simulations.
For now I will just talk about the different types of simulations. First there are live simulations. This is where people are interacting with physical objects, outside of their intended use. An example of this is the military using equipment to train prior to enemy engagement. Another type of simulation is virtual simulation. This is where a person interacts with a computer program. A common example of this would be the Sims video game. The final type is constructive simulation. This type has no people or physical objects involved. An example of this would be finance simulations, in which a scenario is set up to see how monetarily things would play out.
Each type isn't designated to one subject or another. They can be used in all types of ways, and we will discuss all of that throughout the semester.
For now I will just talk about the different types of simulations. First there are live simulations. This is where people are interacting with physical objects, outside of their intended use. An example of this is the military using equipment to train prior to enemy engagement. Another type of simulation is virtual simulation. This is where a person interacts with a computer program. A common example of this would be the Sims video game. The final type is constructive simulation. This type has no people or physical objects involved. An example of this would be finance simulations, in which a scenario is set up to see how monetarily things would play out.
Each type isn't designated to one subject or another. They can be used in all types of ways, and we will discuss all of that throughout the semester.
Michaela,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your initial post.
I am in the military and we work with Aircraft Simulators for Pilots to perform certain emergency procedures. The simulations are exactly the type of action they would face in the real world conditions, to include actual indicator lights, sounds and the simulator even shakes erratically while going through the procedure. Simulation is the next big ticket item for our technological world. This is especially evident in the gaming industry. I'm not sure if you have been to a gaming store lately, but the newest craze for gaming is actual simulation type games. They are very expensive, but the games and simulation devices are already available.
Do you think the simulation's might help us as humans or harm us?
Antonio Ruiz
Hi Antonio,
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the post. As for your question, I believe simulation will help us more than it will harm us. A lot of people are fearful when it comes to this type of technology, however when used for educational purposes it is incredibly powerful. In my opinion the good it brings over powers the potential harm.
What are your thoughts?
Michaela,
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed reading your initial blog post, the reason I enjoyed it, is because I am working on Virtual Reality and naturally your topic of simulation runs hand in hand with my topic of Virtual Reality. Just as Antonio commented, I as well am in the Army, and served on a vehicle we call the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Prior to us conducting live fire gunnery, we had to go through numerous hours of training, stages and simulation ranging from engaging people, to armored vehicles, tanks, and even helicopters. Exactly like Antonio's example, I as a crew member who was the gunner learned how to use all of the components in the vehicle turret, how to manipulate changing types of ammunitions for the types of targets I found and would engage. This simulation training built my confidence and knowledge in the vehicle.
In terms of the question you raised to Antonio, do I believe it can do more good than harm, absolutely it can. We are talking about teaching people how to the most difficult of tasks that can injury or potentially kill people. Like flying an airplane, we wouldn't feel comfortable knowing the first time a pilot is being certified on an airliner is when you as a passenger are flying....that would be crazy! I look forward to reading more from you on simulation and will probably start my own research into your topic as it touches my Virtual Reality.
Tony
Michaela,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading you post, especially breaking down the different types of simulators that are available. As you probably already heard from many students, the military uses different simulators to train their personnel. One of the common simulators that are utilized is the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) II, which is a simulator that is designed to simulate live weapons training (link provided below). As you mentioned on your post, this is a virtual simulator. I do have experience using the EST II and believe it was very useful for myself and for other members of the military. Do you have any personal experience with simulators?
Look forward to reading more about simulators throughout the semester.
Billy
https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/engagement-skills-trainer-est/
Billy,
DeleteOutside of video games, I have very little experience with simulators, but I do hope to have the opportunity to use them more often. All of my closest friends are nurses, so my knowledge of simulations doesn't go too far outside of the world of healthcare, so I appreciate everyones military perspective. The simulations they use for the most part are live simulations, which is an extremely important part of their education, as you can imagine. I'll be posting more soon, so keep an eye out.
-Michaela
Michaela,
ReplyDeleteGreat topic as others have mentioned- I also am Military and agree with the comments above on how simulators have assisted the Army specifically through weapons training, avionics (rotary wing- helicopters), and not to mention the artillery simulators, and tanks or similar tank fighting vehicles Army crew train in to replicate being in a real piece of equipment. I find this very applicable to our military. I look forward to continue reading your blog, especially about your topic.
~Nick Arambula
Michaela,
ReplyDeleteSimulations are a great topic for a blog. You mention several examples that I am familiar with, in the military we use simulators for various reasons, but I think the biggest reason is financial. The benefits of being able to go through a simulation prior to a 'real-world' exercise are many, I think one of the biggest (besides financial savings) is the ability to reset the simulation to practice certain aspects of an operation or mission. This is very important as in real life it can be difficult to reset a training scenario but in a simulation it is as easy as pushing a button and moving people around. Another good reason to use simulators is to train new skills, the military like most businesses is a dynamic enterprise operating in an uncertain world, the ability to rapidly train for contingencies is paramount to success and simulations provide a cost effective way to maintain readiness. Many of the simulators I have seen in the past have been somewhat low tech in nature and not very interactive, I am looking forward to the advancements in the field and how we can incorporate them in to instructional design. Looking forward to reading more of your posts, thanks.
Craig
Hi Craig,
DeleteI think two points you mentioned are very important. The benefits of simulation in military are finance saving and new skills training. These are urgent need in the field of education as well. I am very curious about the use of simulators in education.
Jialu
Hi Michaela,
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with simulation before, thanks for your posts. Besides healthcare and military, I want to learn more about the usage of simulation in education. Looking forward to reading more of your blogs.
Jialu
Michaela,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I was really only familiar with virtual simulations like games, etc.
I have used that type of simulation before I look forward to learning more about different types of simulations.
Marianna