Simulation-Based Learning – Is It One Size Fits all? A Model for Designing in Diversity of Learners to Engender Learner Inclusivity

The study presented here explores the nuanced design elements of the ADELIS© model to create inclusive educational simulation-based learning exercises and environments. The ADELIS© model offers a framework that guides the design of learning experiences to enable scalable adaptations across cognitive levels and abilities, premised on educational rigour and authentic, fit-for-purpose exercises and environments. Pivotal expectations for simulation-based learning are for learners to engage in experiential, risk-free practice that enhances critical thinking, decision-making, develop an understanding of how to transfer learning from the classroom to the field of operation and support learning efficacy. Purpose This paper proposes an expansion of the design process to enable accessibility principles to accommodate diverse learning needs, including individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities be designed into the ADELIS© model. In the focus on creating authentic, replicated real-world experiences through simulation, the nuanced characteristics of the learners can be unintentionally overlooked when the design is built for a generic application and guided by false assumptions that one size fits all. Method This paper explores combining two fundamental design paradigms – educational fidelity and learner inclusivity and offers a guide for educators, instructional designers, and learning facilitators to achieve recognition of learner attribute diversity. Findings and Conclusion Whilst oriented in the simulation-based learning domain, the guide is equally applicable across the serious games field, and the range of formats utilised to deliver authentic learner-centric experiences and promotion of inclusive participation.