12 The decision points
What to do
Define the decision points (DP) that will guide the action.
How to do it
Decision points are a key part of the virtual gaming simulation (VGS), constituting its backbone. They help designers to divide the situation into specific parts with a beginning and an end, and provide a clear structure to the VGS. A decision point contains a question or an activity to which the learner must respond. Learners are required to apply their content knowledge and problem-solving skills to answer the question or complete the activity within the decision point.
In creating decision points (DPs) for a simulation, developers must consider the identified topic of focus, audience, purpose, and learning objectives of the VGS. DPs must be aligned with all of these elements.
General advice
- A brainstorming session with the interprofessional team members to identify potential decision points can be very helpful in initiating the DP development process.
- Once the initial DP list is created, members can refine the list by identifying the DP that are most aligned with the topic content, audience and learning objectives. It is also helpful if the decision points are directly related to the application of curriculum content or professional protocols.
- It is recommended that a virtual simulation include a total of 10 to 12 DP. Too many decision points will lengthen the time required to complete the simulation and could result in learners becoming disengaged.
- Developers should consider reducing the DPs (to select between 10 or 12 DPs) by identifying those that are most relevant for the learners in the scenario. Some of the removed DPs could be converted into characters actions that reflect the appropriate behaviour and responses within the scenario (for example, having the actor respond in an appropriate way to a client, without requiring the student to decide on what the correct response should be).
- If developers feel that large numbers (> 15) are necessary to complete a realistic experience for the learners, creating two separates but related VGSs should be considered.
- Once 10 or 12 DPs have been identified, they should be sequenced in the VGS in pedagogically (simple to more complex decision points), and in relation to how a realistic scenario would unfold. Correctly sequencing and connecting of the DPs will allow developers to create a logical flow to the simulation.
Complementary resources
Template: A template like the following will be really helpful to collect the ideas from the brainstorming and filter the DPs proposals by their adequacy with the learning objectives, the topic, and if they have a protocol or not.
The ENVISION experience:
