Aura eLearning Software Simulations
dvantages of e-Learning for software applications
The main advantage of e-Learning over other methods to train on information systems is that it allows the user to use the application in a simulated environment where he/she can make mistakes and not be afraid of affecting company production.
At a cost level, benefits increase since by developing the solution once, it is possible to train every organization employee and there are not any expenses on transportation, hotels, and training time of the students and experts, who are not always instructors but expert users with no teaching experience. Moreover, based on e-Learning, each student is trained on the same content, in his/her workstation, at his/her pace and convenience.
At a learning level, it is not the same to release a digital manual on how to use the system or or give a presential training for several days to a group of end users where system characteristics can only be seen in a power point presentation, as making each user deal with the system and let him/her practice, learn from his/her mistakes, and test his/her knowledge before using the system in a real-life situation.
Many times, it is not about simulating all the software functionalities but about focusing on the critical functionalities and make the user familiar with the system logic so that he/she is able to perform similar tasks and devote himself/herself to learning and carry out the transactions that are key to the business.
The contribution of the e-Learning provider is precisely the consulting work related to mapping the entire system, choosing together with the expert the critical and strategic transactions for the firm, so that there is an efficient use of time for the virtual training of end users.
Aura e-Learning targeted at IT application training
Aura e-Learning offers a complete simulation of information systems but adaptable to customer requirements and budget. Therefore, the simulation can include business processes or be simply focused on an efficient system use.
The user receives interactive explanations, so he/she learns by doing and then practices what he/she has learned in a “Do it Yourself” fashion or with no need for instructions. On the other hand, the simulation is so real that the student can use the computer keyboard, click the screen, and perform each task with data similar to that used in his/her daily work activities.
A special value of Aura e-Learning solutions for IT is that it has different user help tools that contribute to instructional design: job aids, contextual help within the course, system transaction maps, and other functionalities that improve the training process.
Moreover, these courses meet international standards such as AICC and SCORM; they are easy to run on the Internet and can used with the methodology of learning objects to be distributed among different audiences based on their system knowledge level.
Aura Interactiva has implemented over 300 hours of courses on information systems and for customers from different industries. Particularly, solutions have been developed to train on systems such as SAP, Oracle, and other business intelligence systems, insurance, banking systems, government use systems, and others. Moreover, simulations of cash registers and radio frequency systems have been developed. For further information, please contact us at: marketing@aurainteractiva.com
Simulations in e-Learning format
What is a simulation?
A simulation is the recreation of an environment where students perform activities, make decisions, deal with consequences, and receive feedback of their behavior in a simulated environment. In a simulation, students receive the support and help from virtual mentors, resources, additional information, and other tools while performing their tasks.
Are simulations effective?
According to the NTL (Behavioral Science Institute), which is a Foundation that allocates some of its resources to studies on the use of different learning methods; after conducting a study in 2004 based on different learning experiences and the analysis of their organizational impact, the Foundation was able to prove that digital simulations significantly improved the average learning retention rate. www.microsoft.com
According to Accenture, “24 hours in a simulator is equivalent to 4 years of work experience” www.accenture.com
Applications
Business:
A simulation of business environments to manage firms in a risk-free environment. Very popular in Business Schools.
Social:
A simulation of human interactions in work situations to learn how to manage conflict, coaching, and other social skills.
Academic:
Simulations in the areas of science, chemistry, biology, and others, where processes can be safely simulated.
Production-Teams:
A simulation of manufacturing teams to learn how to use them and minimize labor accidents.
Processes:
A simulation of any kind of processes, particularly, those that are not easy to see in real life.
Simulation Logic
In any kind of simulation, the user deals with several scenarios with different problems in which the user has to play a role and try to solve the problem by taking into consideration all the variables affecting the results. Based on a decision tree and some case studies and a mathematical model, the user has to take the correct actions to achieve the desired results.
In the simulations, the student will receive an ongoing feedback on his/her performance, either because he/she asks for it or because the application gives it every time he/she makes a decision. Besides the constant feedback, there are also help tools such as:
Contextual Help: Explanation of Concepts or virtual Experts: explanation of processes or concepts and simulation guidance.
What to do: It explains what action the user has to take in the simulation.
A log to register all decisions made as well as indications for correct decisions.
Messages in case the user skips stages or makes navigation errors.
Development Process
The development process for our simulations is the same as the customized course process. The main change is the way the simulation is conceptualized because the content is not lineal like in the case of customized courses. This also demands different skills from the instructional designers.
