Impact of Simulation Training-Comparison Between Face-to-Face and Online Learning

https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2023.20.4.14

Abstract

In recent years, simulations in education and teaching were done within simulation centers. They are a powerful tool for having a particular professional experience in a controlled and safe environment. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, simulations have been conducted fully online. Therefore, the current study examined the effect of simulation training that is only online regarding its experience and learning as compared to online simulation training after face-to-face training. For this study, 138 students participated in online simulation after face-to-face training, and 299 students participated in online simulation only. Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire constructed according to the Kirkpatrick model. Findings indicated that about 40% of the participants preferred online simulations and that about 60% of the participants preferred face-to-face simulation. There was no significant difference in learning outcomes for either. The participants’ preference for an online workshop was related to the emotional components in the workshop, especially safety and well-being. While there was no effect for having prior preparation for the workshop, participants who participated with an actor gave higher scores in all parameters. The findings attest to the effectiveness of using an online, familiar, simple-to-operate, and relatively inexpensive platform, and allow for informed decisions about its continued use for the benefit of physically remote populations.

Keywords: simulations, training, online, face to face, COVID-19 pandemic.