Technology and Training: The Use of Simulations to Train and Practice High-Stress Skills

2015 Words5 Pages

I. THESIS ABSTRACT

Training is key to the development of skills, but how best should these skills be trained? This paper shows that the problem of insufficient practice, particularly of skills that must be performed under stress, can be addressed using computer software and a distinct development method. Research indicates that significant rehearsal is needed for skill mastery, that stress degrades the ability to perform tasks, and that increased task practice can lead to improved task competency. This paper suggests that the solution to skill rehearsal requirements for high-stress jobs, taking into account research regarding the effects of stress, is the use of simulation software to provide a means for individuals to explore deliberate practice with the goal of skill mastery.

II. Introduction

Problem Addressed

Rehearsing any skill is key to moving from the beginner to expert state. Yet, so often companies send their employees out to perform a skill that they have very few hours of practice with. In many cases, people can make do with the training they do receive, but in high-stress situations where the proper decision must be made in the blink of an eye, expert-level mastery can be the difference between success and complete failure. The challenge is for companies to easily and affordably give their employees enough practice with new tasks, particularly those that are performed under high-stress situations.

A cost-effective yet instructionally sound solution to this dilemma is to provide virtual skill rehearsal through a carefully designed simulation video game. This simulation would accurately represent the skills to be rehearsed in a low-risk environment that would give constructive feedback on performance. To p...

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