Design and use of simulation for training: Lessons drawn from present military use

Simulation is a highly attractive educational tool especially useful in sit uations which are difficult to encounter in real life, because it is able t o optimise training sessions built around these specific situations. Techno logical developments and the growing need for training lead training manage rs to try to better integrate simulation into training practice. Simulation has become an unavoidable tool for training military operators to develop the necessary skills to achieve their tasks, before being confronted by any real-life situation. A study done in military training facilities ruing simulation looked at sta te-of-the-art training practices and developed guidelines for positive skil l transfers between simulated and real situations, thus ensuring simulation effectiveness. Various situations were encountered, in terms of the task s imulated, the skills taught, and the types of training and simulators. Gene rally speaking, simulation is perceived favourably, and its positive contri bution to training is obvious. However, a number of limitations appear in t he means of simulation currently available and in their use. An analysis of these limitations shows the multi factor dimension of simulation effective ness. In fact the effectiveness assessment of ally training session is base d on factors dealing with the skills involved, prior skill level, simulator fidelity, educational practices and the integration of simulation with oth er means of training. Supplemented by a literature review, the data obtained yielded recommendati ons highlighting which factors actually enhance the transfer of skills. How ever, these recommendations should, under no circumstances, hide the limita tions of training programs and simulator designs. Data pertaining to human factors is usually hardly taken into account in the design process. If the future challenges awaiting simulation in the field of operator training are to be successfully met, methods of better integrating "human factor" data, must clearly be developed. This paper ends with a proposed methodology for simulation design and utilisation. This method defines how human factors s pecialists should address each design stage, ranging from the identificatio n of user needs to the assessment and validation of the entire training pro gram.