Experiential Learning – The Real World Experience at Smartsims

We all know that ‘hands on’ experience beats learning from a book in the classroom, every time, and although traditional methods of teaching via pure theory have dominated the educational landscape for generations, Smartsims have recognised that simulation-based learning is the way we learn best – by ‘doing’. Students need real-world experience to truly grasp the impact that decision-making can have on business outcomes.

Methods in which direct experience is gained have evolved with the rise of technology and web 2.0. Today we use technology and the internet to entertain ourselves, as well as improving productivity. It is posited that as the current generation joins the workforce, the demand for e-learning will continue to increase as managers are increasingly referring to technology for solutions, and this is where Smartsims experiential learning programmes come in.

Experiential learning is described as an “outward-facing curricula, and experiential education can create the critical intersection between classroom and business learning that keeps faculty and students connected to rapidly changing business models” . More than just informing students, their ability to critically and actively engage in research must be triggered through experience.

Experiential learning tools, such as business simulations, give students the opportunity to experience the relevance of their learnt subject matter first-hand. Giving students more control and responsibility for their own learning can enhance their ability to learn from past experience. This is where Smartsims’ simulation based learning becomes essential.

Experiential learning focuses on the learning process for the individual, through observation and interaction with the subject they are learning about, rather than the traditional process of learning from a textbook. With Smartsims, simulations have flexible learning environments – different things can be learnt from the same game, and different participants can learn different things.

Business simulations bring practical reality and excitement to the classroom, and students experience a vicarious exposure to the problems faced by real management teams, meaning they gain immediate, concrete experiences.

Please go to https://www.smartsims.com to find out more about their business simulation courses.