fidelity

The accuracy of the virtual situation as compared to the real experience or context, often in terms of a percentage. Fidelity can measure sight, sounds, smell, interface, and consequences, just to name a few.

Simulation fidelity does not correlate with educational value.

Reality is not always the best initial learning environment. There is often too much noise, for example, to isolate the relationships that support the learning. Further, open-endedness, as in directing people (in an educational sim), often enables the perpetuation of the same behavior. Finally, real-life also takes a long time to play-out, a step simulations condense.

As a result:

• Game elements often reduce fidelity to increase the engagement of an experience, such as producing exaggerated responses.
• Pedagogical elements often reduce fidelity to increase the participant satisfaction and the transfer to the real world.

Likewise, reality is not always the best entertainment environment.

Also called subset of reality.

Author's note: Glibly, educational simulations can never be completely comprehensive and accurate. This is partially because once a perfect simulation model can be created, any activity can be automated, and therefore formal learning is not necessary.