| Tired of text-driven e-learning
for teaching higher-level skills?
Training that simulates higher-level skills
such as communication with colleagues or leadership skills
is not a luxury – it’s critical to the success
of all organizations. Research on learning tells us that context
and practice are two keys in retaining and applying these
higher-level skills. So, why is e-learning for teaching these
soft skills often text-based?
Perhaps it’s because technology-based
soft skills simulations can be difficult to create and costly to implement.
Recognizing those barriers, we’ve placed an emphasis
in this report on simulation technologies that are cost-effective
and usable by less experienced content developers.
Brandon Hall Research's “Simulation
Development Tools for Soft Skills: Profiles and Comparison
of 19 Products” includes profiles and comparisons
of tools used to create the following types of simulations:
- Role-play
- Scenario-based
- Story-problem
- Business skills
- Analytical
- Sales process
Also included in this report are screen
shots from the 2006 Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Award-winners,
highlighting some trends in soft skills simulation content,
such as the use of avatars and games. These new tools offer
unique opportunities for corporations to engage learners in
their soft skills simulations.
Example of a soft skills simulation
using an avatar that provides coaching and feedback. (A.S.K.
Learning, 2006 Gold Medal Award Winner, Brandon Hall Excellence
in Learning Awards)
Although simulations aren’t the answer
for all soft skills training, using simulations in blended
learning interventions often yields the sort of training that managers
want to hear about: with bottom line impact.
Written by Bryan Chapman, Janet Clarey,
and the staff of Brandon Hall Research, "Soft Skills
Simulation Development Tools: Profiles and Comparison of 19
Products" provides the information you need to help select
the soft skills simulation development tool that is right for
you.
This report is also available through
a subscription to the Brandon
Hall Research Library. |
