I have attempted to use a selection of simulation programs in my classroom. All of them ran very slow, were glitchy, and seemed to overemphasize tiny details that the author found important instead of focusing on the big picture. When it comes to troubleshooting residential HVAC systems, sweeping the floor when you are done is not the highest priority. Also, my students are gaming on the most modern, highest speed consoles, with the latest graphics. Most simulation software out there is a technologically advanced as a Sunday school flannelgraph.
Our school has the luxury of being a hybrid program with online lectures and in-house labs.
As a trade instructor the use of simulated scenerio's is very helpful. There are many different electrical products to be wired in our field. The use of simulated install worksheets definetly helps challenge students to learn to calculate and simulate installation of these products that can't be aquired by the school for hands on training.
