“Oh no, not again!”
You glance at the clock as the smell of burnt dosa fills the kitchen. It’s a familiar scenario—trying to multitask while making breakfast, only to realise you’ve once again overcooked your dosa.
But what if you could practice this simple task in a risk-free environment until you get it just right, without wasting a single bit of batter?
Imagine having a virtual kitchen where you could perfect your dosa-making routine. That’s the magic of simulated learning—giving you the space to master real-world tasks without any real-world consequences.
Let’s take a journey to 1910, where aviation was in its infancy. Pilots needed training, but how do you safely teach someone to fly in an era where planes themselves were still experimental?
Enter the first flight simulator like a boss!
A contraption made from two wooden barrels. One half of the barrel was mounted on a pedestal to serve as the cockpit, while the other barrel swung around to mimic the movement of an airplane. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was groundbreaking. This simple setup allowed pilots to experience the sensations of flight—pitching, rolling, and yawing—without ever leaving the ground.
This idea of learning through simulation truly took off during World War II. With the demand for skilled pilots skyrocketing, simulators became more sophisticated. They were no longer just about basic movements; they began to replicate the complex scenarios pilots would face in combat, from navigating stormy weather to handling mechanical failures.
The goal was clear to create an environment where pilots could train for any eventuality, making mistakes and learning from them without the risks that come with real flight.
The success of flight simulators naturally led to their adoption in other fields. As technology advanced, so did the complexity and variety of simulations. By the 1960s, flight simulators incorporated hydraulics to simulate turbulence, take-offs, and landings with a level of realism that was previously unimaginable.
Soon, other industries began to see the potential of simulated learning.
Healthcare was one of the early adopters. Surgeons, for example, could practice delicate operations on virtual patients, honing their skills without the pressure of a real-life emergency.
The military expanded its use of simulation beyond pilots to ground troops and commanders, who could now plan and execute entire operations in a virtual environment before setting foot on the battlefield.
Law enforcement agencies followed suit, using simulations to train officers in everything from routine traffic stops to high-stakes hostage situations.
And in the world of transportation, simulators became essential for training everyone from crane operators to train engineers.
These simulations didn’t just replicate real-world scenarios; they allowed trainees to experience situations impractical to recreate in real life.
The rise of computer technology in the 1970s brought a new dimension to simulation. No longer limited to physical models or mechanical systems, simulations could now be created entirely in the digital realm.
The leap in technology allowed for the development of increasingly complex and realistic training environments.
Even sports welcomed simulation, with athletes using virtual environments to practice everything from golf swings to race car driving.
The common thread across all these industries was the ability to train in a safe, controlled environment where mistakes weren’t just allowed—they were encouraged, as each error provided a valuable learning opportunity.
Now, let’s bring this closer to home. India is a country where access to quality education can be uneven, with resources sometimes stretched thin across its vast population. This is where simulated learning (SL) technology can make a real difference.
Imagine a classroom where students don’t just read about chemical reactions but see them unfold in a virtual lab. They can experiment with different compounds, observe the results, and learn from their mistakes, all without any of the risks associated with a real lab.
Simulated learning also has the potential to democratise education. In a country as diverse as India, where educational opportunities can vary widely depending on where you live, simulations offer a way to level the playing field.
Whereas in streams like commerce, law, humanities, economics, creative arts, and public administration still have limited opportunities for simulated learning.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that SL tech is poised to play an even larger role in education. The SL tech tools will make students’ experience better.
In the next article, we’ll explore how simulated learning can change education in India. We’ll see how it can fill gaps between subjects, open new opportunities, and make learning easier for students, especially in commerce.
To be continued.