Educators have rapidly adopted virtual simulation – including screen-based simulations, virtual gaming simulations, and extended reality – in recent years. There is now a growing body of research on ways to effectively embed virtual experiences into an educational program to optimize learning.
This workshop is the only one of its kind, created specifically for educators who are using virtual simulations in their teaching. Although this workshop was designed from the perspective of healthcare, the strategies and pedagogy taught in the workshop can be applied to any sector.
Join Canadian facilitators who are world-leading experts in virtual simulation pedagogy in this focused, 2-part online workshop, where you will connect with peers and experts for coaching to critically examine ways to plan virtual simulations for your learners!
Note we offer two versions of this workshop: One for Canadian educators that is subsidized through the Virtu-WIL project (registration is free), and one for international participants or others who don’t qualify for the subsidized version (registration is paid).
We currently have no offerings scheduled for this workshop but plan to offer it in spring 2025!
Learning outcomes and benefits
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Plan for the effective integration of a virtual simulation activity into a broader educational program.
- Apply simulation pedagogy (including pre-briefing, facilitation, debriefing, and evaluation) in the context of virtual simulations.
- Critically appraise ways to enact virtual simulations.
Format, Schedule & Registration
This is an interactive workshop consisting of two 2-hour online sessions, offered over the course of a few weeks. Participants will be asked to do some background reading (using an open-access online textbook) and complete some preparatory work before both of the live workshop sessions. Attendance at both live online sessions is required.
The workshop sessions allow participants to learn tips from expert facilitators, compare their plans with those of peers, and receive feedback from each other.
Additional workshop dates may be offered. Please stay tuned for more!
Subsidized Version
We occasionally offer this workshop free, with registration subsidized through the Virtu-WIL project by Colleges & Institutes Canada. Registration is restricted to Canadian post-secondary educators only.
For the next French workshop offering, please see upcoming dates here.
No offerings are currently scheduled, though we expect to have some in spring 2025.
Paid Version
We also offer this workshop as a paid version that is open to any participant globally.
Please contact us if interested.
Eligibility & Cost
The subsidized version of the workshop is FREE for all Canadian post-secondary healthcare educators, subsidized through the Virtu-WIL project of Colleges & Institutes Canada, funded by the Government of Canada. When registering for the course, please use your institutional email address so we can confirm your eligibility.
The paid version of the workshop is open to anyone globally.
Please see the “Format, Schedule & Registration” tab for current offerings and the waitlist signup.
Prerequisites
This workshop assumes participants have foundational training or experience in simulation-based education generally (for example, in-person manikin-based simulations or working with standardized patients) and are familiar with principles of pre-briefing and debriefing in simulation.
If you are new to simulation, we STRONGLY recommend completing one or more of our micro-courses (especially the one on debriefing) prior to starting this workshop. The micro-courses are offered at a discount to workshop registrants and can be added on during the registration process for this workshop.
Course Leads & Developers
Professor of Nursing
Centennial College
Toronto, Ontario
Associate professor
Faculté des sciences infirmières
Université de Montréal
Montréal, Québec
Professor
School of Nursing, Graduate Faculty
Nipissing University
North Bay, Ontario
Manager, Simulation Centre
Georgian College
Barrie, Ontario
Additional Facilitators
- Margaret Hoang
- Geneviève Dottini
- Karine Rolland
- Paula Mastrilli
- Stephanie Ayres
About the Virtu-WIL Project
Virtu-WIL is a project led by Colleges and Institutes Canada in collaboration with Simulation Canada that uses virtual simulations to enhance healthcare education. Educators across the country have access to over 130 virtual simulations designed to give students in nursing, medical laboratory sciences, and paramedicine innovative hands-on learning experiences and to acquire practical competencies. All simulations are free for Canadian educators and students, and many are accessible globally. Access the collection.
The Virtu-WIL project was funded by the Government of Canada. Learn more about Virtu-WIL.
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