Using Virtual Scenarios to Create Effective Learning (FutureLearn)

Using Virtual Scenarios to Create Effective Learning (FutureLearn)

Learn how to use virtual scenarios to help people practice their decision making and prepare for real world challenges. Virtual scenarios are online educational resources which help learners explore real world decisions, making both good judgements and errors in a safe environment. They are used to prepare professionals to deal with a range of workplace challenges.

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On this course you will explore this technology, learning how to use virtual scenarios in your own teaching or training. You will learn from educators who are part of the WAVES network, and from experts across academia and business who provide training that spans disciplines such as medicine and health, legal and engineering.

What topics will you cover?

  • Scenario-Based Learning (SBL) and how it works
  • The science of decision-making and cognition
  • The importance of storytelling in learning
  • Technologies available to support Virtual Scenarios
  • Planning and developing a Virtual Scenario

Learning on this course
You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Reflect upon the benefits to learners of Scenario-Based Learning and interactive Virtual Scenarios
  • Describe the importance of storytelling and decision-making in developing engaging learning experiences
  • Compare the features of available Virtual Scenario authoring software tools and their suitability
  • Design and plan your own Virtual Scenarios
  • Discuss examples of Scenario-Based Learning activities and their effectiveness

What software or tools do you need?
No specific software is needed to participate in the course, but the Virtual Scenario authoring software (OpenLabyrinth and Casus) demonstrated within the course are examples of technology available to author your own Virtual Scenario and are suitable for delivering remote distance training or learning at scale. The examples showcase an open source and commercial product available for authoring Virtual Scenarios. During the course other suggested simple tools will be given for you to explore and download if you wish during week 3 of the course.

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