Simulation Ecosystem Foundations

Duration: 1.5 hours

Textbook: Ch. 1 + Ch. 4

Lecture to go on Spotify

Part 1: Early Simulation Artifacts (Ch. 1)

Key Idea: Early medical models made of wax, cloth, and wood allowed learners to visualize anatomy and rehearse procedures safely before working with real patients. These artifacts established the foundational principle of practice before performance. LMS great day.....  back again

Why This Matters: As a future Simulation Operations Specialist (SOS), understanding the origins of simulation helps you see how today’s tools—task trainers, manikins, VR—inherit a long tradition of reducing risk through structured practice.

Part 2: Aviation & Safety Roots (Ch. 1)

Key Idea: Many modern simulation practices—pre-briefing, scenario scripts, debriefing, AV review—originated in aviation, where human factors, communication, and error prevention were formalized.

Why This Matters: Aviation’s influence explains why simulation relies on workflows, checklists, and team communication. These are central areas of competence for SOS professionals.

Part 3: Personnel Roles (Ch. 4)

Key Idea: Simulation centres depend on an interconnected team: technicians/operators (SOS), educators, coordinators/administrators, and AV/IT specialists. Each role contributes to scenario quality and learner experience.

Why This Matters: Your role as SOS is technical, operational, and collaborative. Understanding how other roles depend on you helps you anticipate needs, prevent failure points, and support high-quality learning experiences.

Part 4: Simulation Centre Workflows  (Ch. 4)

Key Idea: Simulation is not just the scenario—it is a system of preparation, execution, debriefing, and reset. These workflows require precision, communication, and technical reliability.

Why This Matters: Week 1 introduces “ecosystem thinking”—seeing simulation not as isolated tasks but as a system. This prepares you for Weeks 2–12, where you will operate these workflows directly.