ADvTECH Skills, the e-learning specialist in the ADvTECH group, has announced the release in SA of SkillSims, SkillSoft`s simulation tool that allows students to apply best practices in realistic business scenarios.
Cleone Bakker, assistant GM at ADvTECH Skills, says: "SkillSims offers a far higher level of interactivity than previous simulation products. We are marketing it to our e-learning client base throughout Africa. It reinforces the skills and knowledge gained through training, ensuring that training investment has the desired outcomes. The tracking facilities offer a way to assess an employee`s competency levels with immediate feedback.
"Gartner has identified that interest in e-learning is growing in emerging economies. As business skills requirements change rapidly, employees can upgrade their training on the job, without loss of productivity. Interactive learning reinforces learning and an employee gains the confidence needed to provide high standards of service and expertise."
SkillSoft released the first five modules in 2001. These are Frontline Call Center, Excelling at Customer Service, Negotiating to Win, Leading from the Front Line and Making Teams Work. More modules are being developed. SkillSims simulates authentic business experiences, preparing the student for these situations. They then refine their skills before being let loose on customers or colleagues. Scenarios can involve multiple people, scheduled events and interruptions such as phone calls, mirroring a typical business environment.
Innovative features support the student`s training plan and provide student and manager with easily accessible feedback on progress and competency levels. Direct links to relevant SkillSoft e-learning courses are accessed at strategic points during each simulation for students to refresh their memories and continue with the simulation exercise.
Multiple learning paths remove predictability, so correct responses cannot be learned in parrot fashion. This supports active learning and participation. The role plays link directly to associated SkillSoft e-learning courses.
No specialised training is required for the use of SkillSims. The technical requirements are Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher, or Netscape Explorer. For remote students a 56kb modem is needed. "The SkillSims modules can be linked into a learner management system," adds Bakker. "This simplifies the management of the student`s extended e-learning programme."
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