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Simulation
T
here is little doubt – this is an exciting time to be both a
student and a teacher. With rapid advances in technol-
ogy, it seems new opportunities pop up most every day
– opportunities to enhance learning and develop important
skills. As an institution dedicated to educational excellence,
ECPI University has long been a leader in classroom and on-
line technology. Simulation is no exception.
“The latest wave of advancements began with the evolu-
tion of tablets, apps, and headsets like Google Glass,” says
ECPI University Associate Dean of Academic Technology
Gerry White. “Given the significant improvements in software
development, we can now use these technologies to simulate
experiences that help students learn the skills they will need
in the real world. While simulation is an imitation of real world
scenarios, they look more and more real every day.”
The World’s Most “Life-Like”
Synthetic Human
The Richmond/Moorefield campus recently took delivery of
a highly-sophisticated medical mannequin called a Syndaver
which will be used in the Surgical Technology Program. Con-
sidered the world’s most life-like synthetic human, this man-
nequin features a complete representation of typical human
anatomy, including every bone, muscle, and organ, skin with
fat and fascia planes, a functioning respiratory system, and a
full digestive tract and circulatory system.
As a teaching tool, it can be used for a variety of purposes,
including training in
basic suturing skills,
microvascular anas-
tomosis, central line placement, chest tube placement, breast
surgery, liposuction, oral and nasal intubation, tracheotomy,
coronary angioplasty and stenting, and a wide variety of other
surgical procedures.
ECPI University is the first school in Richmond and only
the second in Virginia to make the Syndaver available to its
students. “We are excited to join some of the world’s leading
universities and healthcare organizations in providing our stu-
dents with a tool that can help them enhance their skill level,”
says Richmond/Moorefield Campus Surgical Technology Pro-
gram Director Charles Hughes. “Having a Syndaver will give
our students a true-to-life training that is second to none,”
says Hughes. “They will have an unprecedented opportunity
to prepare themselves before they step into the clinical set-
tings of their chosen fields.”
Helping Future Law
Enforcement Professionals
“Make the Right Call”
The Virginia Beach campus recently acquired one of the best
law enforcement simulators on the market – the
Milo Range
Pro v4 – an advanced, interactive augmented-reality training
system designed to enhance use-of-force and firearms train-
ing. Used by law enforcement agencies around the country,
it is an especially-effective tool for the development of situ-
ational assessment skills.
“While it may first appear similar to a shooting simulator, the
Milo
offers so much more,” says ECPI University Associate
Dean of Criminal Justice Ife Alexander-Caines. “It is an excel-
lent tool for the development of communication and critical
thinking skills, especially when working as
a team.
“The
Milo
gives students an unprecedented
opportunity to prepare themselves for the
real world. The practice scenarios allow
students to determine when to utilize ver-
bal conflict management skills and when
responses need to be escalated. They can
also practice working as partners as they
navigate the various scenarios.”
How ECPI University
Uses Technology
to Prepare Students
for the Real Thing