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This article describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a diagnostic experiential simulation (Gredler, 2004) in a graduate Performance Technology (PT) course. Simulations are experiences that provide an authentic learning environment that scaffolds novices' problem solving while minimizing the risks of 'practicing' their newly learned skills in a 'real-world' setting. The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of using simulations with novice instructional designers and performance technologists as an instructional strategy for transfer of theory into practice. This study is a case study, Type one developmental research design (Richey, Klein, Nelson, 2004), which describes the design, development, and analysis of a simulation as a culminating instructional strategy and assessment. The student learning outcomes from the simulation are mixed, but overall the students perceived the simulation experience to be authentic and relevant to their learning. An unintended outcome was the development of a model for designing experiential simulations.

1Boy Crusoe

By Allan Eric

Also published as" A Yankee Crusoe" . A 15 year old hard working and studious farm boy finds the lure of adventure on the seas as a merchant seaman more than he can resist. This is his story. " I was born in a little town in the State of Maine, near the close of the Civil War. My boyhood life did not differ materially from that of the average farmer's son in the remote country districts of New England--except, perhaps, that I read more and thought more. Hard work on the rugged soil, two terms each year in the little yellow country schoolhouse, a day's fishing now and then filled the early years of my life full to over-flowing. " What he gets is enough excitement and adventure to overflow his wildest dreams. How he experiences disaster and uses his wits and knowledge to overcome every problem makes for a great read. - Summary by Phil Chenevert