Learning business through digital simulation: An analysis of student reflections

Abstract

The use of digital simulations is becoming more prominent in higher education to provide students with authentic learning environments in which they can apply their knowledge as well as develop enterprise skills. These enterprise skills are those qualities necessary for successful employment after graduation. This paper investigated ten years of data gathered through student reflective assessments that identified their perceived learning from the completion of a course which contained an embedded digital simulation. Student reflections were analysed to determine the themes which defined their key learning from the course. Content analysis was undertaken using nVivo to determine the themes from the students’ individual reflection assessment. Outcomes of the study revealed that students self-reported successful achievement of three of the four course learning outcomes. In addition, students identified improvement in their enterprise skills and better understanding of business practices for their future careers.