Construction CTE programs have found success in providing quality work-based learning opportunities for heavy equipment operation with the help of simulation training.
It’s not hard to see why, given many of the advantages it offers, including:
- Making it easy for educators to evaluate student performance and identify strengths and weaknesses for more targeted practice.
- Preparing students with the skills needed to pass valuable certification exams.
- Removing the liability issues of having students working on real equipment.
- Significantly shortening set up and clean up times after lessons.
- Providing a wide variety of training opportunities to schools with access to a smaller network of local employers.
However, as simulation training technology has evolved, so has the range of options available, making it challenging for schools to choose the right tool for their Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Here are five tips to consider when evaluating simulation tools for your construction CTE program.
When evaluating simulation training tools for your construction CTE program, prioritize realism and accuracy to ensure students gain experience that closely mirrors real-world scenarios. High-fidelity simulations that replicate the actual behavior and controls of the equipment provide more effective training, better preparing students for real-life operations.
Opting for a low-quality “gamey” simulation that provides easy (and fake) wins opens your school to the risk of negative training. These types of simulations can teach bad habits by giving students a false sense of security in scenarios that would be dangerous on real equipment. A simulation that doesn’t allow machines to tip when improperly handled, for example, could lead to a real accident later on.
Here are some ways to evaluate the realism of a simulation:
- Check the cables on cranes to see if they swing in the wind and reproduce the pendulum effect.
- Try unsafe maneuvers to see if the equipment reacts realistically and tips.
- Examine the dirt in earthmoving simulations. Does it look like perfect, round circles or does it move like the real thing? Does dirt seem to spike up when moved and look glitchy and unstable?
- Ask questions about the research that went into producing the simulation and its underlying technology.
By carefully examining the accuracy of each simulation training tool you’re considering, you can be sure that the one you choose will help you provide high-quality work-based learning in your construction CTE program.
When choosing a simulation tool, it’s also important to consider how it will support your instructors and program administrators. A training tool that makes life easier for your team allows them to keep and increase their focus on teaching and student engagement.
To this end, see which simulation providers also offer instructor support tools that make it easy to track student progress, customize learning paths, and provide instant feedback. The ability to effectively monitor students in exercises is also incredibly valuable, and so inquiring about available tools that help in this capacity will allow you to see which solution would best support your instructors and enhance the quality of your CTE program.
It can be a good idea to look for a system that offers a wide variety of equipment simulations, so that students can experience different facets of the industry. Trainees might not have a handle on which pieces of equipment they prefer or have a knack for, unless they have the chance to try a wide variety of equipment on a simulator. A wide range of equipment training packs will allow you to offer more options to your students. It also provides plenty of options for expansion in the future.
Flexibility also extends to how learning paths can be customized to fit your specific training needs, allowing you to adapt CTE construction lesson plans as needed. The more adaptable the tool is, the more value it will bring to your program.
Even the best simulation tools require a dedicated support team behind them, so it’s worth evaluating whether or not a provider offers strong customer support. What you don’t want is for a malfunction or break to remain unaddressed for a long time, interrupting lessons and affecting student outcomes.
You’ll want a partner who can assist with initial setup, ongoing maintenance, and any troubleshooting that may arise. Look for vendors that prioritize customer success and are available to provide help when needed, ensuring your program runs smoothly.
Here are some questions to ask about a provider’s customer support:
- How quick are your response times when an issue arises?
- Would I have to contact another vendor or third party to fix certain issues or components?
- What additional support, simulation integration training, or additional services do you offer?
A good simulation system should not only meet your current needs but also grow with your CTE construction program. After all, starting small doesn’t mean you should be limited to those same capabilities in the future.
Look for a platform that offers scalable options. Whether you’re running a single simulation or an entire suite across different construction disciplines, you’ll want a system that can handle increased demand.
Expansion should be as simple as adding more equipment training packs and simulators to your existing network, rather than requiring an entirely new system. Student monitoring capabilities should also be able to scale along with these changes, so that instructors can easily keep an eye on all students as demand for your program grows.
Technology never stands still, and neither should your simulation tools. Opt for a vendor that demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement. This means regular technology updates, new equipment training packs, and ongoing enhancements based on user feedback.
After all, a company that stays ahead of industry trends will help keep your CTE program on the cutting edge and ensure that your students are learning on the most current and relevant tools available.
By focusing on a solution’s realism, instructor tools, equipment library, scalability, customer support, and commitment to improvement, you can ensure that your construction CTE program not only meets the demands of today but is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
Want to learn more about simulation training? Check out our ebook: The Benefits of Simulation-Based Training.
