Focus on teaching/training points

When Chief Montagna and I are designing a sim, the discussion always starts with the teaching point/lessons. In other words, what are important points to convey at different points in the scenario?

With any technology, especially computer animation, it is easy for the technology to take on more importance than it deserves. We are constrained somewhat by the types and positions of photographs we can get (for example, it is very difficult to obtain pictures of industrial sites nowadays!), and also to some degree, the type of behaviors or looks we can achieve within a realistic time frame (and our resources). However, if we get distracted by the glitz from providing the opportunity to make relevant teaching points, we will end up with something that might look nice but is not so useful in the classroom.

Technology is great if channeled properly. Therefore, it takes a good instructor to make good training, not just technology tools. Chief Montagna has done a great job setting up the situations to set the scene for making important teaching points, but ultimately it is really your ability as an instructor to make the scenarios come to life.

Anyone want to elaborate or comment on these ideas?