In the photo, Dr. Miriam L. Delgado, Innovative Curriculum Specialist, and Prof. Yosanalis Torres, Project Director of VirtualEd-MES (Modeling & Simulation Program | Award #P116S220005), engage in an immersive augmented reality demonstration. Dr. Delgado, on the left, observes the virtual environment through a headset, contributing her expertise in curriculum development and educational innovation. In the center, Prof. Torres actively interacts with the virtual simulation, highlighting her leadership in advancing modeling and simulation technologies within educational institutions. The scene captures their participation at an event, IITSEC 2023, showcasing the impact of simulation technology on education.
The VirtualED-MES program explores challenges and opportunities to enhance Dewey University’s Physical Therapy degree through the integration of virtual simulations, aiming to better prepare students for real clinical scenarios and online learning.
El programa VirtualED-MES explora desafíos y áreas de oportunidad para mejorar el grado asociado de Terapia Física de Dewey University mediante la integración de simulaciones virtuales, con el fin de preparar mejor a los estudiantes para enfrentar escenarios clínicos reales y aprendizaje en línea.
Digitalization transforms operations and fosters collaboration and innovation, but it also raises ethical concerns like privacy, AI fairness, and human connection. This section explores the key drivers of digital transformation and its ethical implications, paving the way for deeper discussions.
Expanding Awareness of Modeling & Simulation Technologies through Site Visits – Case Study of Pearl Harbor VR Center
This whitepaper, authored by Prof. Yosanalis Torres, explores the successful integration of virtual reality (VR) technology in educational settings, as part of the Modeling & Simulation Program (MSP). Through an in-depth case study of the Pearl Harbor Narrated Multimedia Tours & Virtual Reality Center, the document highlights how VR experiences can enhance understanding and engagement in learning environments. It describes how an on-site visit by the task force led by Prof. Torres fulfilled a key project requirement, showcasing the transformative power of immersive technologies in expanding awareness of MSP technologies. The whitepaper emphasizes the potential of these technologies to bridge gaps in traditional education, offering a vivid and emotional connection to history through interactive simulations.
Expandiendo la Conciencia sobre las Tecnologías de Modelado y Simulación a través de Visitas Presenciales – Estudio de Caso del Centro de Realidad Virtual de Pearl Harbor
Este whitepaper, redactado por la Prof. Yosanalis Torres, explora la exitosa integración de la tecnología de realidad virtual (VR) en entornos educativos, como parte del Programa de Modelado y Simulación (MSP). A través de un estudio de caso detallado del Centro de Recorridos Multimedia Narrados y Realidad Virtual de Pearl Harbor, el documento resalta cómo las experiencias de VR pueden mejorar la comprensión y el compromiso en los entornos de aprendizaje. Describe cómo una visita presencial del grupo de trabajo liderado por la Prof. Torres cumplió con un requisito clave del proyecto, demostrando el poder transformador de las tecnologías inmersivas para expandir la conciencia sobre las tecnologías del MSP. El whitepaper enfatiza el potencial de estas tecnologías para superar las brechas de la educación tradicional, ofreciendo una conexión vívida y emocional con la historia a través de simulaciones interactivas.
94 Years of Virtual Reality
This whitepaper explores the nearly century-long evolution of virtual reality (VR), tracing its development from early concepts in the 1930s to the sophisticated immersive experiences of today. It highlights key milestones and innovations that have shaped VR into a powerful tool for applications in education, healthcare, entertainment, and beyond. By providing a detailed timeline and historical overview, the document demonstrates how VR has transformed from a niche concept to a mainstream technology with significant implications for the future of digital interaction. The whitepaper also examines the integration of VR with augmented reality (AR) into extended reality (XR) platforms, as well as its growing role in sectors such as tourism, continuing education, and mental health.
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94 Años de Realidad Virtual
Este whitepaper explora la evolución de casi un siglo de la realidad virtual (VR), rastreando su desarrollo desde los primeros conceptos en los años 1930 hasta las experiencias inmersivas sofisticadas de hoy en día. Destaca los hitos e innovaciones clave que han transformado la VR en una poderosa herramienta con aplicaciones en la educación, la salud, el entretenimiento y más allá. A través de una línea de tiempo detallada y una visión histórica, el documento muestra cómo la VR ha pasado de ser un concepto de nicho a convertirse en una tecnología de uso generalizado con importantes implicaciones para el futuro de las interacciones digitales. El whitepaper también examina la integración de la VR con la realidad aumentada (AR) en plataformas de realidad extendida (XR), así como su creciente rol en sectores como el turismo, la educación continua y la salud mental.
Integrating Pedagogical Approaches to Enhance Modeling and Simulation Programs in Higher Education
This whitepaper, authored by Dr. Miriam L. Delgado, explores the integration of diverse pedagogical theories into Modeling and Simulation (M&S) programs in higher education. By incorporating principles such as constructivism, andragogy, experiential learning, and cognitive load management, the paper highlights how M&S technologies can enhance educational practices and prepare students for an evolving job market. The document also discusses key competencies such as problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication, which are essential for students thriving in fields utilizing M&S. Case studies from NASA, Mayo Clinic, and Ford demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of M&S in various sectors. This whitepaper emphasizes the transformative potential of M&S technologies in education, preparing students to meet the demands of the future workforce.
Integración de Enfoques Pedagógicos para Mejorar los Programas de Modelado y Simulación en la Educación Superior
Este whitepaper, redactado por la Dra. Miriam L. Delgado, explora la integración de diversas teorías pedagógicas en los programas de Modelado y Simulación (M&S) en la educación superior. Al incorporar principios como el constructivismo, la andragogía, el aprendizaje experiencial y la gestión de la carga cognitiva, el documento destaca cómo las tecnologías de M&S pueden mejorar las prácticas educativas y preparar a los estudiantes para un mercado laboral en constante evolución. El documento también discute competencias clave como la resolución de problemas, la adaptabilidad y la comunicación efectiva, esenciales para que los estudiantes se desarrollen en campos que utilizan M&S. Estudios de caso de la NASA, la Clínica Mayo y Ford demuestran la versatilidad y efectividad de M&S en diversos sectores. Este whitepaper enfatiza el potencial transformador de las tecnologías de M&S en la educación, preparando a los estudiantes para enfrentar las demandas del futuro.
Modeling and Simulation (M&S) in Key Industries: Exploring Innovations, Applications, and Future Directions
This whitepaper explores the transformative impact of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) across multiple industries such as healthcare, defense, finance, and urban planning. It examines the innovative applications of M&S technologies in these sectors, highlighting their role in optimizing processes, enhancing decision-making, and safely testing complex scenarios. The paper also addresses emerging technologies like Quantum Computing and AI, regulatory challenges, and the need for interoperability across systems. Case studies from industries including healthcare and aerospace illustrate the critical role M&S plays in driving innovation. The whitepaper concludes with recommendations for adopting M&S technologies to enhance efficiency and foster innovation in an increasingly complex technological landscape.
Modelado y Simulación (M&S) en Industrias Clave: Explorando Innovaciones, Aplicaciones y Direcciones Futuras
Este whitepaper explora el impacto transformador del Modelado y Simulación (M&S) en múltiples industrias como la salud, la defensa, las finanzas y la planificación urbana. Examina las aplicaciones innovadoras de las tecnologías de M&S en estos sectores, destacando su papel en la optimización de procesos, la mejora de la toma de decisiones y la prueba segura de escenarios complejos. El documento también aborda tecnologías emergentes como la Computación Cuántica y la IA, desafíos regulatorios y la necesidad de interoperabilidad entre sistemas. Estudios de caso de industrias como la salud y la aeroespacial ilustran el papel crucial que desempeña el M&S en la promoción de la innovación. El whitepaper concluye con recomendaciones para la adopción de tecnologías de M&S para mejorar la eficiencia y fomentar la innovación en un panorama tecnológico cada vez más complejo.
This report, titled The Future of Modeling and Simulation, is the result of extensive research into the core content, best practices, and skills required to design the curriculum for the Certificate in Modeling and Simulation of Virtual Environments. Through data analysis, existing research, and live experiences, this report offers valuable insights to shape the future of modeling and simulation education.
The report highlights the importance of curriculum design, the expansion of awareness initiatives through content experts, and the establishment of a working group that collaborates with key institutions and organizations. Additionally, it addresses the impact of simulation in areas such as Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and more.
This document is instrumental in guiding the development of the program as well as fostering a deeper understanding of the applications of modeling and simulation across multiple sectors.
Architecting Immersive Learning introduces the Modeling and Simulation Learning Model (MSLM), a pedagogical framework developed at Dewey University through the VirtualED-MES initiative (U.S. Department of Education, Award #P116S220005).
This whitepaper argues for a structural shift in higher education:
simulation should no longer be treated as a tool, but as a learning architecture.
The MSLM integrates:
- • foundational learning theories (Kolb, Piaget, Vygotsky, Sweller, Bandura, Knowles)
- • instructional design principles
- • immersive and simulation-based environments
- • learner interaction processes
- • competency development frameworks
into a unified system designed to support applied learning, decision-making, and systems thinking.
Higher education is currently undergoing a transformation driven by three converging forces:
- • persistent gaps between theory and application
- • increasing digital and cognitive complexity
- • evolving workforce demands requiring applied competencies
The MSLM addresses these challenges by providing a structured architecture that transforms learning into an:
- • interactive
- • iterative
- • measurable
process aligned with real-world performance outcomes.
In addition to its conceptual framework, this whitepaper presents:
- • theoretical foundations of simulation-based learning
- • pedagogical and cognitive design implications
- • institutional integration strategies
- • implementation insights derived from project-based research
Ultimately, the MSLM positions immersive learning not as an enhancement to traditional instruction, but as a strategic system for redesigning how learning is constructed, delivered, and assessed in higher education.
Simulation is not a tool. It is a pedagogical architecture for learning.
