Advantages of simulation based learning in classrooms

Last Updated on September 28, 2025 by Muhamed Elmesery

In today’s classrooms, educators are turning to simulation based learning as a powerful way to engage students and bring complex concepts to life. By creating interactive, risk-free environments, simulations allow learners to experiment, apply knowledge, and build problem-solving skills in ways traditional methods often cannot.

This innovative approach not only boosts understanding but also prepares students for real-world challenges with greater confidence.

What is simulation based learning?

Simulation-based learning is a virtual learning environment supported by computer technology that simulates a real classroom or laboratory, requiring an internet connection to understand educational subjects, principles, and foundations, while providing a wide range of features such as the ability to learn anytime, anywhere, and an unlimited number of times.

Simulation based learning is a hands-on method that uses realistic scenarios and controlled environments to teach and practice real-world skills in a safe, risk-free setting.

Key aspects of simulation-based learning

Simulation-based learning in education is a technological innovation in modern educational methods. It uses computers to provide an integrated system within a three-dimensional virtual environment simulating a real environment, allowing students to experience, interact with, and manipulate the virtual environment using their senses and the computer interface, thus giving them the feeling of being in the real world in all its aspects.

Benefits simulation based learning

The increasing trend towards the use of simulation is due to the effectiveness of simulation-based learning for several reasons, the most important of which are:

• Providing a safe and risk-free educational environment that is also realistic, with the possibility of repeating experiments an infinite number of times at any time and in any place.
• It offers an interactive learning experience while reducing the costs incurred by institutions.
• Providing a safe and risk-free environment where users, for example, can conduct potentially hazardous physics experiments without exposure to real hazards. The virtual laboratory is ideal for beginners, as there is no need for expensive equipment or specialized safety procedures.
• It provides an interactive learning experience; simulation-based learning is not just videos but is fully interactive and immersive, guiding users to: choose materials and preparations, make decisions, and receive immediate feedback and corrections.
• Improving users’ understanding and critical thinking, thus enhancing their learning outcomes.
• Possibility of repetition and practice: users can repeat experiments anytime and anywhere, which supports mastery through practice, learning from mistakes, and self-directed learning.
• Subscription costs for simulation based learning platforms are much lower than the costs of setting up an actual lab or classroom with its expensive equipment and resources.

What are the challenges of simulation-based learning?

Here are the main challenges of simulation based education, kept concise:

• Technical issues – reliance on software, hardware, and internet stability.
• Learning curve – students and teachers may need training to use simulations effectively.
• Limited realism – some complex real-world variables cannot be fully replicated.
• Assessment difficulty – measuring outcomes and skills gained can be challenging.

How can simulation be used in education?

Simulations represent a qualitative leap in the world of education, where it is no longer just an alternative option, but has become a strategic necessity in many contexts.

The reasons for its use are not limited to emergency situations, but extend to encompass a wide range of needs and goals that make it an effective and sustainable educational model.

The main reasons can be summarized in the following points:-

• Overcoming the limitations of time and place.
• Providing learners in remote areas with access to quality education.
• Ensuring continuity of education in crises and emergencies.
• Meeting individual learning needs and diverse learning styles.
• Supporting self-directed learning and empowering students to learn at their own pace.
• Utilizing multiple media (videos, animations, interactive simulations) that suit learning preferences.
• Facilitating the hosting of speakers and experts from around the world to participate in the educational process, enriching learners’ experiences.
• Developing digital skills and preparing for the future.
• Facilitating the process of continuous learning and self-education for anyone wishing to develop their skills or change their career path at any stage of their life.

How does PraxiLabs support virtual education?

With PraxiLabs,, students can actively learn while conducting their experiments. Your students gain a complete experience with guidance and educational materials to assist in the learning process instead of just following along and covering the content.

PraxiLabs simulation platform is compatible with all devices and popular operating systems, with minimal memory requirements and browser capabilities, and allows offline use on smartphones and tablets.

To make virtual science simulations learning more personalized, we developed the ‘Skip Ahead’ feature that allows your students to choose the stage they want to understand and focus on in the experiment.

If you don’t have a learning management system or cannot integrate, we provide you with what you need. Through our mini-LMS, you can gain instant access to a web-based dashboard where you can access the same reports, data, and administrative tools that you would have access to through a learning management system.

We offer a virtual lab guide to learn the safety precautions in a real lab, proper practices in real laboratories, and to protect students from potential mistakes and avoid damage to the labs, thereby reducing costs.

Join Praxilabs For Free Now!

Praxilabs’ achievements as a simulation based learning platform

At PraxiLabs, we strive to provide a cost-effective solution with high quality and effective educational outcomes aimed at enhancing student performance and reducing dropout rates.

PraxiLabs aims to enrich virtual education by providing and making scientific virtual laboratories one of the most important tools of virtual classrooms accessible to everyone, easy to use, and affordable for educational institutions and schools.

PraxiLabs does not only provide an immersive three-dimensional virtual lab experience, but also adds rich content that enhances students’ understanding and knowledge.

More information and useful data are provided to help students better comprehend the experiments. Clear guides are also presented regarding the tools, materials, and devices used in different experiments, explaining not only how to use them but also their importance.

Let’s take a look at Praxilabs in numbers:

• +1,000 educational institutions.
• +200 simulation based learning examples for experiment  across more than 20 branches of science.
• Over 1 million students worldwide benefit from our virtual simulations for experiments.
• More than 100,000 students benefit from our free accounts.
• +10 global partners.
• Over 6,000 participants in our webinars.

Examples of universities using Praxilabs virtual labs:

Here are some examples of universities and educational institutions that use the Praxilabs virtual labs:

• Ain Shams University (Egypt).
• Banha University (Egypt).
• Sadat University (Egypt).
• South Valley University (Egypt).
• Nizwa University (Oman).
• Galala University (Egypt).
• Taibah University (Saudi Arabia).
• University of Dammam and Al Faisal University (Saudi Arabia).
• La Salle University (Mexico).
• De La Salle Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (Philippines).
• Asia-Pacific International University (Thailand).
• Piura University (Peru).
• King’s College London and Ulster University (United Kingdom).

Check what the professors say about PraxiLabs!  

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of simulation?

Simulation provides students with several benefits such as providing a safe and risk-free educational environment that is also realistic, with the possibility of repeating experiments an infinite number of times at any time and in any place.

How to apply Simulation-Based Learning in Education?

By using types of simulation based learning or tools such as virtual laboratories in performing the science experiments.

How to use simulation in the classroom?

To use simulation in the classroom, first, you should prepare yourself and students by understanding the simulation, defining goals and roles, and explaining the learning environment and objectives.

Is simulation a good way to study?

Yes! according to simulation based learning researches, simulation as a teaching strategy aligns well with the principles of constructivist teaching and learning theory and can be designed for social and physical learning experiences to fit the needs of all learners.