Using Virtual Scenarios to Create Effective Learning (FutureLearn)

Using Virtual Scenarios to Create Effective Learning (FutureLearn)

Learn how to use virtual scenarios to help people practice their decision making and prepare for real world challenges. Virtual scenarios are online educational resources which help learners explore real world decisions, making both good judgements and errors in a safe environment. They are used to prepare professionals to deal with a range of workplace challenges.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

On this course you will explore this technology, learning how to use virtual scenarios in your own teaching or training. You will learn from educators who are part of the WAVES network, and from experts across academia and business who provide training that spans disciplines such as medicine and health, legal and engineering.

What topics will you cover?

  • Scenario-Based Learning (SBL) and how it works
  • The science of decision-making and cognition
  • The importance of storytelling in learning
  • Technologies available to support Virtual Scenarios
  • Planning and developing a Virtual Scenario

Learning on this course
You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Reflect upon the benefits to learners of Scenario-Based Learning and interactive Virtual Scenarios
  • Describe the importance of storytelling and decision-making in developing engaging learning experiences
  • Compare the features of available Virtual Scenario authoring software tools and their suitability
  • Design and plan your own Virtual Scenarios
  • Discuss examples of Scenario-Based Learning activities and their effectiveness

What software or tools do you need?
No specific software is needed to participate in the course, but the Virtual Scenario authoring software (OpenLabyrinth and Casus) demonstrated within the course are examples of technology available to author your own Virtual Scenario and are suitable for delivering remote distance training or learning at scale. The examples showcase an open source and commercial product available for authoring Virtual Scenarios. During the course other suggested simple tools will be given for you to explore and download if you wish during week 3 of the course.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Global Education for Teachers (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University College London

Global Education for Teachers (FutureLearn)

Discover key issues in global citizenship education and learn how to prepare your students for the global challenges of tomorrow. Incorporate global learning and global citizenship education into your teaching. Teachers today must prepare their students for a global future. Young people will need to learn how to positively engage with people from all over the world and build the skills and knowledge to become a global citizen.On this course, you’ll increase your confidence and ability to introduce global issues into your teaching. You’ll get CPD training in how to address global issues in your teaching and support global citizenship in your school.

Self Paced
3 Weeks
Research Ethics and Vulnerability: Ethical Research in Adults with Impaired Decision-Making Capacity (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Malaya

Research Ethics and Vulnerability: Ethical Research in Adults with Impaired Decision-Making Capacity (FutureLearn)

Learn how to conduct ethical research with adults who have impaired decision-making capacity. Effectively protect research participants with impaired decision-making capacity. It is your responsibility to protect research participants. Those who have impaired decision-making capacity are incapable of giving informed consent. They may not be able to protect their own interests and merit special consideration by researchers and research ethics committees.

Self Paced
2 Weeks
Learning Online: Learning and Collaborating (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Leeds

Learning Online: Learning and Collaborating (FutureLearn)

Become an effective online learner and develop your online communication skills when working with others. You are probably used to learning online on a daily basis, including turning to your phone for information rather than referring to books. More formal online learning is likely to be important for you in the future, either at university or in the workplace.

Jun 29th 2026
2 Weeks
Exploring Teaching and Assessments for Higher Education (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Coventry University

Exploring Teaching and Assessments for Higher Education (FutureLearn)

Discover new approaches to teaching and assessing students and understand how to effectively support their learning. Invigorate your teaching, learning, and assessment practices. On this two-week course from Coventry University, you will have the opportunity to explore evidence-based theories, methods, and concepts to critique and enhance your practice for the dynamic higher education environment.

Sep 2nd 2024
2 Weeks
Exploring Instructional Leadership in Education (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
British Council

Exploring Instructional Leadership in Education (FutureLearn)

Learn how instructional leadership can motivate staff, transform teaching and learning, and help students to succeed. Discover the link between effective leadership and improved student outcomes. Instructional leaders in schools create supportive and collaborative learning environments for staff and students. On this three-week course, you’ll explore the role of instructional leadership techniques in affecting student outcomes and how to embed them into your school’s practices.

Jan 6th 2025
3 Weeks
Transforming Education in Challenging Environments (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University College London,Centre for Lebanese Studies

Transforming Education in Challenging Environments (FutureLearn)

Discover practical ways teachers can transform the education of children and young people living in conflict-affected contexts. Build the knowledge needed to teach children affected by difficult contexts. Teachers play an important role in supporting vulnerable children affected by mass displacement, crisis, and conflict. Refugee children may also be victims of violence and other issues that impact their emotional wellbeing and ability to learn. Teachers need to be prepared to deal with these difficulties.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
Innovative Teaching: Engaging Adult Learners with Active Learning (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Padova

Innovative Teaching: Engaging Adult Learners with Active Learning (FutureLearn)

Discover the power of active participation in adult learning, encouraging teamwork and collaboration among students. Explore the power of teaching and how interactive learning can aid the classroom. Active learning is the leading innovative teaching approach in education today. It encourages teachers to foster a more student-centred, interactive and participatory approach to learning.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
The Museum as a Site and Source for Learning (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Glasgow

The Museum as a Site and Source for Learning (FutureLearn)

Explore the purpose of museums today and find how they facilitate learning. Find out how museum collections, spaces and technology help visitors learn. What is the purpose of museums in today’s world - a world obsessed with technology? On this course we explore what can be gained from interacting with museum collections and spaces, and how to use technology to encourage engagement.

Self Paced
3 Weeks
Improving Your Study Techniques (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Groningen

Improving Your Study Techniques (FutureLearn)

Improve your study skills and get better results by learning to use the 'three-step study model'. Develop effective study skills for life. Learning is a fundamental part of life; many of us continue studying even when we leave formal education. This means good study skills are vital for all of us. Many, however, lack these skills and struggle to study effectively.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
Education Research that Matters: Doing Research in Your Learning Community (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Birmingham,Chartered College of Teaching

Education Research that Matters: Doing Research in Your Learning Community (FutureLearn)

Build the tools and knowledge to perform your own education research and establish yourself as a teacher-researcher. Learn how to analyse research data and communicate your research findings. Many teachers want to learn new knowledge and methods to improve their teaching, but it can be hard for someone outside of research communities to perform research of their own. On this course, you will learn how to do your own education research and build supported communities of education research practice.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
Using Film to Teach Literacy Online and in the Classroom (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
The British Film Institute - BFI,INTO FILM

Using Film to Teach Literacy Online and in the Classroom (FutureLearn)

Explore the inspiring ways in which film can be used to deliver literacy learning for school students. Discover how to improve literacy using film. On this online course, you’ll identify how you can use film as a key tool to deliver literacy lessons, whether online or in the classroom, with your pupils.

Self Paced
2 Weeks
Edward Jenner: 0 - An Introduction to Personal Development (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
NHS Leadership Academy

Edward Jenner: 0 - An Introduction to Personal Development (FutureLearn)

Learn how to maximise your learning experience and make time in a busy schedule for personal development. Prepare for the NHS Leadership Academy’s Edward Jenner Programme. When working a full-time job, it can be difficult to make time for learning and development. On this two-week course, you’ll learn how to make space in your schedule for personal development and develop skills to enhance your learning.

Jan 2nd 2023
2 Weeks