There are many advantages to incorporating realistic scenarios into training content. Simulations are one way of doing this. Simulations may involve a gaming style with role playing, and often make use of the ability of computers to control gaming situations by tracking actions and introducing randomness.

The practical side of such considerations is that simulations do add additional overhead in development time. In particular, computer-driven simulations, whether used in eLearning or in a classroom setting, are labor-intensive to create and require advanced programming skills. Adopt this approach only when you are certain that the benefits justify the effort.

Simply adding additional content in eLearning or ILT that ties together pieces of content using a fictitious (but realistic) scenario can usually be done with a manageable level of effort. For example, the scenario might show, from beginning to end, how an organization implemented a highly technical software application used for managing user identities and access rights. These types of scenarios can significantly enhance learning transfer by providing relevancy, which allows learners’ cognitive processes to incorporate new information more efficiently. The practical guidance here is to balance the level of effort put into this with the anticipated benefit, and to avoid going to extremes in ways that may seem trite to the target audience.