About the FSCS SIM Lab!
The Simulation Lab (SIM Lab) is a learning space simulation support to all academic programs, administrators, and partnerships, within the Faculty of Social and Community Services (FSCS) at the Humber Lakeshore Campus. The SIM Lab delivers low-to-high fidelity simulation experiences in a safe learning environment using digital technology, simulated devices, and patient simulators. Since 2014, the SIM Lab has provided experiential learning opportunities through simulations, within the focused area of social and community services, to numerous learners. The SIM Lab continues to expand its technical capabilities to meet the diverse and progressive simulation demands of the FSCS academic programs, striving to enhance the quality of experiential learning for all learners, in-person or remote, within the FSCS.
Vision
Demonstrating leadership in simulation-based education and research within the social and community services, and the Ontario College system.
Mission Statement
Providing high quality simulation support in simulation-based education and research to faculty, learners, and communities through progressive simulation integration within education, sustainable infrastructure for simulation innovation, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Explore Our Facilities & Simulations
Our Facility
The Simulation Lab (Main Location), Physical Spaces: In-Situ Simulations, and Digital Spaces.
Simulation Programs
Conflict Resolution Simulation Program (CRSP), Client-Centered Simulation Program (CCSP), The Driving Simulation Program (DSP), and Inter-Professional Education/Collaboration (IPE/C) Simulation Program.
Simulation Modalities
Projection-Based Simulators, Driving Simulator, and Virtual Reality.
Online Simulations
Asynchronous Delivery, Synchronous Delivery (Telesimulations), and Patient Simulators.
Our Facility
The Simulation Lab (Main Location)
The SIM Lab currently has one designated, adaptable, multi-purpose learning space, at the Humber Lakeshore Campus, where diverse simulations are delivered to support its Simulation Programs. This includes simulation operation and documentation, in addition to simulation debriefing to promote reflection-based learning within a safe learning environment. The following are examples of the kinds of simulations that have been implemented using this space:
- Conflict management simulations
- Eye-witness simulations
- Driving simulations
- Counselling simulations
- Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) Intervention simulations (e.g., Functional Communication Training, Functional Analysis, etc.)
- Safe Medication Assistance (Pharmacology)
This simulation space currently houses our driving simulator, patient simulators, virtual reality equipment, and various projection-based simulators.
Physical Spaces: In-Situ Simulations
Using the SIM Lab’s video production assets and mobile simulation resources, the SIM Lab can implement simulation activities in diverse learning environments, adapting physical spaces (anywhere at the Lakeshore Campus) to learning spaces. Examples of such simulations, implemented by the SIM Lab, include counselling simulations, behaviour assessment and training simulations (e.g., functional analysis and communication training), and conflict management (e.g., IPE).
Digital Spaces
Using the SIM Lab’s telesimulation and virtual reality (screen-based or Head-Mounted Displays, HMDs) solutions, the SIM Lab can implement simulation activities to remote learners, synchronously and asynchronously. Examples of such simulations include, but are not limited to, video counselling, conflict management, crime scene management, safe medication assistance, and forensic investigation.
Simulation Programs
The SIM Lab currently has four (4) Simulation Programs to provide focused, efficient and relevant simulation support to FSCS academic programs through, each developing specialized simulation resources to enhance the quality of experiential learning for learners.
Conflict Resolution Simulation Program (CRSP)
The Conflict Resolution Simulation Program (CRSP) provides conflict management simulation opportunities for learners to apply learned concepts and skills. Such simulations can be delivered in-person or online.
The CRSP in-person simulations are generally delivered using projection-based simulators (and simulated devices, depending on the learning objectives) controlled by the session facilitator(s). Such simulations range from de-escalating or resolving a conflict situation or crisis, to observing an incident or criminal activity in a simulated witness role. An orientation and simulation pre-brief will be provided before the simulation activity. After each simulation, learners are provided with time and space to reflect and document their simulation experience.
Currently, forensic investigation simulations are delivered in-person using virtual reality technology (screen-based or HMDs).
The CRSP online simulations are currently delivered asynchronously to remote learners. Learners will be provided with online resources to help them prepare for their online simulations.
The CRSP is currently used by learners from the following academic programs: Bachelor of Social Science in Criminal Justice, Forensic Identification, Police Foundations Program, and Protection, Security and Investigation.
Client-Centered Simulation Program CCSP
The Client-Centered Simulation Program (CCSP) provides experiential learning opportunities for learners to apply learned concepts and skills when providing client support. Such support includes, but is not limited to, counselling services, behaviour analysis and communication teaching, and safe medication assistance.
CCSP simulations can be delivered in-person or online. The in-person simulations are generally delivered using projection-based simulators controlled by session facilitator(s). At the end of each session, learners are provided with the time and space to reflect and document their simulation experience. The online simulations can be delivered asynchronously and synchronously. For synchronous delivery (i.e., telesimulations), learners will book their online appointment and join their online session from the comfort of their remote, learning space. The session facilitator will provide an orientation to the learner prior to the simulation activity. The session facilitator will control the desktop simulation based on the learner’s responses. At the end of the session, the learner will be provided with time to reflect and document their simulation experience.
For simulations that require the learners to practice safe medication assistance protocols, these simulations are delivered using virtual reality (screen-based) applications at a computer lab.
The CCSP is currently used by the following academic programs: Bachelor of Social Science in Criminal Justice, Developmental Services Worker, Bachelor of Behavioural Science, and Bachelor of Social Science in Addictions and Mental Health.
The Driving Simulation Program (DSP)
The Driving Simulation Program (DSP) provides opportunities for learners to complete their simulations that contain a driving component. These simulations are generally delivered in-person using the driving simulator. Learners are provided with an orientation prior to the simulation activity. Such simulations include, but are not limited to, general traffic patrol, conducting traffic stops, driving surveillance, and responding to incidents where police presence is requested. Neither prior driving experience nor possessing a driver’s license is required to use this driving simulator. After the simulation, the learners are provided with time and space to reflect and document their simulation experience. For remote learners, the option to adapt the driving simulations to be delivered asynchronously online is available.
The DSP is currently used by the following academic programs: Police Foundations, and Protection, Security, and Investigation.
Inter-Professional Education/Collaboration (IPE/C) Simulation Program
The Inter-Professional Education/Collaboration (IPE/C) Simulation Program provides simulation opportunities for learners from different academic programs to collaborate in the form of a simulation exercise. Such collaborations include managing a crisis using discussion-based (e.g., table-top exercise) and operations-based exercise activities. An Exercise Planning Team is generally formed to design and develop the exercise activities, and the activities are implemented by a team of facilitators, evaluators, and simulation controllers in a one (1) full day session. Learners will have the opportunity to apply learned concepts and skills, as well as to enhance their learning within an interprofessional learning environment guided by subject matter experts. Currently, the activities within this Simulation Program are available for in-person sessions only.
The IPE/C Simulation Program is currently used by the following academic programs: Developmental Services Worker, Forensic Identification, Police Foundations, and Protection, Security, and Investigation.
Simulation Modalities
The SIM Lab houses diverse simulation resources to deliver its simulation-based learning activities. Depending on the learning objectives and the associated simulation design, a single or combination of simulation modalities may be used to implement the simulation activities. The SIM Lab regularly evaluates its Simulation Programs for quality assurance and academic programming purposes.
Projection-Based Simulators
Projection-based simulators deliver immersive simulations by projecting video-based simulations to projector screen(s) where the simulation triggers and/or modifiers are pre-programmed and controlled by the simulation controller(s) using either a desktop computer (or a tablet for a mobile computer system). These simulators can be linked with IR-emitting simulated devices to increase the fidelity and responsiveness of the simulations. The FSCS SIM Lab designs and develops, in collaboration with the academic faculty, the simulation scenarios and the video-based simulations that are currently being used in academic programs, using the SIM Lab’s video production and post-production assets. The SIM Lab currently houses the following projection-based simulators:
- Theatre 180 System
- Mobile Situational - Awareness Training System (M-SATS)
Driving Simulator
The driving simulator delivers immersive driving simulations within a virtual city, providing a single seat physical space (i.e., driver’s seat) where the learner will operate the simulated vehicle. This simulator contains basic features that a driver may use while driving and is also equipped with two-way radio communication capabilities (with Dispatch) in addition to emergency lights and sound systems. This driving simulator can be used to simulate an emergency services vehicle (e.g., Police), a private security vehicle (for driving surveillance), or a civilian vehicle.
Using vendor-provided hardware and proprietary software, the FSCS SIM Lab designs and develops the driving scenarios and simulations in collaboration with the FSCS academic faculty.
Virtual Reality
The FSCS SIM Lab currently has the technical capabilities to deliver virtual reality simulations through using a desktop computer or Head-Mounted Displays) (HMDs, i.e., VR headsets). The original VR simulations at the FSCS SIM Lab were developed in collaboration with the FSCS academic faculty and an external vendor.
Since 2023, the FSCS SIM Lab has started to establish its VR infrastructure, including its development and delivery capabilities. The FSCS SIM Lab is excited and looks forward to designing and developing its VR simulations in-house as well as expanding such VR collaborations with the academic faculty.
Online Simulations
Asynchronous Delivery
The FSCS SIM Lab currently offers interactive and non-interactive desktop simulations that can be completed online. Such simulations are designed and developed in collaboration with the FSCS academic faculty.
Synchronous Delivery (Telesimulations)
Telesimulations use telecommunication resources to deliver synchronous simulations. These simulations are facilitator-led using videoconference application to connect the facilitator(s) with the remote learner(s). The learners can interact with the simulation. The responses of the simulator can be controlled by the session facilitator(s) who controls the simulation triggers and/or modifiers on their computer(s). A consistent, reliable wi-fi connection between all connecting computers (or equivalent device) is required for this simulation modality to work.
Patient Simulators
The FSCS SIM Lab currently has low fidelity patient simulators to support its client-centered simulations.
Contact Us
If you have any questions and/or would like to book a demo session with us, please email Nivedita Lane, Associate Dean.
Our Team and Services
The FSCS SIM Lab Team consists of an interdisciplinary team of Simulation Specialists and Simulation Lab Technologists. Under the direction of the Associate Dean (Justice Cluster and SIM Lab) and guidance of the SIM Lab Committee, the FSCS SIM Lab provides diverse simulation support and services to instructors, students, administrators, partners, and guests within the FSCS. The FSCS SIM Lab is committed to deliver its support and services in accordance with Humber Polytechnic’s current Academic and Digital Campus Plans as well as its EDIB (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Framework to enhance the quality of experiential learning for learners through simulations.