PURPOSE

• Operationalize students’ understanding of SimOps/SOS roles by linking OPAs (real job tasks) to competencies (capabilities needed to perform them).

1. Learning Objectives

By the end of this 1.5-hour workshop, students will be able to:

1. Identify core Simulation Operations Specialist (SOS) roles and responsibilities (aligned with STEPS OPAs).

2. Analyze how specific OPAs map to competency domains (technical, operational, communication, planning, safety).

3. Articulate why SOS roles require multi-domain competency integration, using real examples from the competency framework.

4. Collaborate to create justified OPA × Competency mapping diagrams, building foundational assessment literacy for EPAs/OPAs.

5. Critically evaluate peer group mappings and refine their understanding through structured discussion.

2. Session Structure

A. Activation (10 minutes)

Purpose: Connect Week 1 module content to today’s task.

Activity: Think-Pair-Share prompt:

“Based on Week 1 learning, what do SOS professionals actually do in a simulation centre?”

Short group discussion

B. Core Workshop: OPA × Competency Mapping (60 minutes)

Format: Small-group applied mapping and peer critique

Step 1: OPA Primer (5 minutes)

Instructor gives a short, clear explanation:

• OPAs = Observable Practice Activities
  (“The things SOS professionals can be seen doing in real work”)

• Competencies = The skills/knowledge/judgments required to perform OPAs well

Show 2–3 example OPAs from the framework, such as:

1. Prepare a simulation environment

2. Operate manikin and digital systems during a scenario

3. Manage scenario audio-visual capture

4. Perform troubleshooting steps using a diagnostic approach

5. Conduct a basic safety and risk audit

Task: Your task today is to map which competencies are needed to perform these activities safely, accurately, and professionally.

Step 2: Group Assignment of OPAs (5 minutes)

• Divide students into small groups (4 students per group max).

• Each group receives one OPA (from the official OPA framework).

OPA Examples

1. OPA 1: Prepare, configure, and inspect the simulation environment.

2. OPA 2: Operate manikins and simulation technologies during sessions.

3. OPA 3: Manage AV/IT systems for recording and playback.

4. OPA 4: Conduct basic troubleshooting and perform minor technical maintenance.

5. OPA 5: Perform room reset, turnover, and documentation processes.

Step 3: Mapping Activity (20 minutes)

Each group receives:

• Full Competency Framework (STEPS)

• Full OPA Framework

• Single OPA that they will work with

• A mapping worksheet 

Student task:
For their assigned OPA, determine:

1. Which competencies are required?

2. HOW each competency supports the successful execution of the OPA

3. WHICH competencies are essential vs. optional

Step 4: Group Presentations (15 minutes)

Each group delivers a 3-minute explanation:

• OPA description

• Linked competencies

• Rationale

• One high-risk point where competence is critical

Step 5: Gold Standard Reveal (5 minutes)

The instructor presents the validated mapping.

Students compare:

• Where they aligned

• Where they diverged

• What insights emerge about the profession

C. Synthesis (10–15 minutes)

Reflection Prompt:

“Which competency-OPA linkage surprised you the most? How does this change your understanding of the Simulation Operations Specialist role?”