Process

One of the most important principles of teaching with virtual gaming simulation is that educators need to follow a sound pedagogical process to maximize learning. The process includes prebriefing, enactment, debriefing and ongoing evaluation of learner knowledge gains and satisfaction. The four stages of virtual gaming simulation are addressed in: Chapter 4: Prebriefing; Chapter 5: Enactment’ Chapter 6: Debriefing; Chapter 7: Evaluation.

The Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice^TM for simulation is an excellent resource for teaching with virtual gaming simulations. There are, however, a number of nuances particular to the virtual environment that are not addressed in these guidelines. For example, the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice^TM recommend that the facilitator be present during the simulation in order to debrief the experience. If, however, the learner is playing a virtual simulation individually, from home, the facilitator will not be present. Subsequent chapters provide guidance to help educators navigate the nuances of using virtual gaming simulations.