Possibly the most compelling use of a virtual world for training and education is that of simulation. With the ability to create real time, three dimensional interactive environments and scenarios teaching using role play and observational methods can be taken to a whole new level.
At a fraction of the cost of a real world simulation Second Life offers an ideal platform for tailored simulation solutions for your training or teaching programme.
Why A Simulation?
The ability to illustrate a imaginary event in three dimensions within a rich visual environment offers tremendous possibilities. When using role play or investigation as a teaching method one no longer needs to expend time describing the events, they can be shown in far greater detail quickly and easily using a simulation. Instead time can be spent on creating rich information sources to go alongside a realistic and repeatable scenario that can be used over and over, or played back to illustrate the teaching points being made.
Citrus Virtual Educational Simulator
The Educational Simulator system created by Citrus Virtual is a flexible and extendable framework capable of running scenario packages tailor made for your course. The system can be set up to use an existing Second Life environment or we can design and build the set. Each package, consisting of interactive, animated components such as mannequins, furniture and effects, can be swapped for an alternate scenario at the click of a button, its components rapidly exchanged for those of the new package.
Multiple Modes of Use
A key feature of the simulator system is the ability to play back scenarios, not only in real time, but scene by scene. You can move forward and back or select the scene you wish to show to reinforce the message you wish to communicate.
The simulator End Game mode offers the ability to provide point and click interactive investigations, participatory scenes or more to the scenario.
Conclusion
Citrus Virtual's use of high quality aesthetics in the design and creation of sets and components adds immeasurably to the immersive nature of the simulations, This added to the DVD like scene selection and interactive modes to instantly illustrate your training in a three dimensional simulation.
The Citrus Virtual Educational Simulator system offers a powerful and extremely configurable method of delivering education via simulation in Second Life.
