Software simulations have been found to dramatically improve retention rates for systems training.

Recent Gartner Research has dubbed simulation the new "killer application" in e-learning, predicting that by 2006, 70% of all e-learning content would incorporate simulation.

"One of the most powerful ways to learn something is to try it out for yourself without the fear of making a mistake," says Nigel Warren, Operations Director for Software Training Technology (STT), an e-learning solutions company and a global leader in simulation training software.

Similar to flight simulators, software simulations allow you to safely practise performing a task - such as adding a new contact to your Outlook contacts folder or creating a purchase order in your enterprise system - on a realistic simulation of your computer application or enterprise system. The interaction, the practise, the "safe" mistakes and the realism of the simulation invariably lead to higher retention rates. This compares very favourably with 1st generation "page-turner" e-learning content, which has even become termed "Teflon training" - the type of training that never sticks.

However, the benefits of software simulation are not only limited to better recall, says Warren. "Simulation-based training is cost-effective, as large numbers of users can be trained simultaneously across many locations without the need for advanced scheduling, training facilities or travel. Perhaps most importantly, simulations are versatile and can be used in all sorts of situations, such as practice and assessment material for traditional instructor-led training, self-service training for new staff and upgrades, or just-in-time refresher training.

As cited in Gartner`s report entitled "Application Simulation", simulations can aid major software deployments by not only improving user training and knowledge retention, but also by saving money.

For these reasons, companies and organisations such as Airbus, BBC, Standard Bank and Shell International have been incorporating software simulations for years as part of their overall systems training programme to staff.

"Software simulation has saved our IT department and user department a lot of time and effort in training a new user. The overall benefit has been a reduction in the number of errors made by new users on the live system," comments Rosemary Wiesner, System Manager at SA Mint Company, manufacturer of South African and foreign coins.

Commenting on the company`s decision to use software simulations for its systems training, Robin Simms of Airbus UK says: "We needed a practical, long-term solution for recurring training, such as refresher courses or training on new features. Our users are already skilled up on SAP fundamentals and in this particular instance, we simply needed to provide training on new functionality and features available in SAP 4.6. Simulation was perfect for this."

The simulation approach should certainly be considered as part of the solution to any software training and user-support initiative.

"Training is a critical success factor for any software implementation, and rather than think just in terms of `training`, organisations should be taking a holistic view of what it takes to firstly achieve competence and then sustain it in the longer term."

"Simulation allows for both. By providing a relevant and interactive learning environment, simulation-based training speeds up the learning process and increases retention rates. Thereafter, simulation lessons can be made available to serve as ongoing support in the form of ad hoc training for new staff or refresher training on the job. Regardless of the quality of your initial training programme, without the ability to meet your recurring training requirements, your initial training investment could prove to have been a very expensive exercise," concludes Warren.