In 2004, I applied for the Prince of Wales Award and this was my proposal I presented to the board for selection. The aim was to identify how we can learn how to use simulations in business context training through observation and secondments to overseas postings. Despite this presentation being over 10 years old, the issues are still the same for corporate Learning and Development. This surprised me that we are still talking about the same problems. The company Omni Asia Pacific was a previous company I worked for and no longer operating.

1. intelligent learning solutions
Omni Asia Pacific Presentation
Presented in 2004 for the Prince of
Wales Award
LCDR Helen Pothoulackis, RANR
Learning Services Solution Manager Omni Asia Pacific
Scalable Flexible Robust Affordable 
September 25, 2014 Omni Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 1

2. intelligent learning solutions
Omni Asia Pacific Presentation
Corporate Learning in the
Next Generation
Lessons from the military
LCDR Helen Pothoulackis, RANR
Learning Services Solution Manager Omni Asia Pacific
Scalable Flexible Robust Affordable 
September 25, 2014 Omni Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 2

3. Picture the scene…
It’s 11 pm and Shaun (20) is sitting at an internet café in Kings
Cross. He’s been playing an online game for a couple of
months with some “gaming mates” who are now online in
Paris, Washington and Johannesburg. He’s learnt a few game
play strategies from online discussion boards that he’s hoping
to use to win tonight…
September 25, 2014 Omni Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 3

4. Meanwhile, in Adelaide…
HR Manager, Karen Hudson (42) is enjoying a glass of wine at
home with her husband. She’s talking to him about her work
concerns. They’ve put in a new online learning system but
there have been few staff online registrations and course
completions. Feedback indicates that the e-Learning courses
need to be more engaging. Management is asking questions…
September 25, 2014 Omni Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 4

5. And in Malaysia hotel…
Michael Jones (26) has booted
up his computer to do his
online Compliance Essentials
course. He’s back in Malaysia
for a work conference.
He needs to do this course as part of his job. He likes the flexibility
of doing the course at his own pace, anytime, anywhere.
He figures that this training is a ‘necessary evil’ but wishes it was
a bit more engaging like his Sims game which he’ll play a bit later.
Oh well…
September 25, 2014 Omni Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 5

6. How do we learn?
• Educational psychologist William Glassner
claimed that we learn:
• 10% of what we read
• 20% of what we hear
• 30% of what we see
• 50% of what we see and hear
• 70% of what we discuss with others
• 80% of what we experience
• 95% of what we teach someone else
September 25, 2014 Omni Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 6

7. But how do organisations see learning?
• Learning in the military is about:
Preparedness
Discipline
Teamwork
Technology
• Learning in the corporate world is about:
Skills to do a job
Recruitment, retention & succession planning
Meet a legislative compliance requirement
September 25, 2014 Omni Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 7

8. What is e-Learning?
E-Learning is effective, engaging learning,
anytime, anywhere developed and delivered
using IT.
Questions companies are now asking are…
• Did we miss the mark with e-learning?
• What do we need to create the buzz & engagement for e-learning?
• Who can we learn from?
• What knowledge, skills and resources do we need to
prepare for the future?
September 25, 2014 Omni Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 8

9. Might the ‘X’ factor be…
• Relevant, well-researched and customisable learning
content or ‘stories’ that are engaging and
stimulating to the senses?
• Realistic corporate work scenarios, decisions,
conflicts and environments?
• Opportunities to act and play a role where you see
the outcomes of your decisions?
• Like you’re playing a game but learning at the same
time?
• Motivation for you to get online, collaborate with
others and learn?
• Learning that is highly social, collaborative and fun?
September 25, 2014 Omni Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 9

10. I propose that simulations offer this ‘X’ factor
• Simulations are electronically delivered e-
Learning experiences that aim to imitate real life.
The learner encounters real-life scenarios,
makes realistic choices, role plays and sees the
experience and outcome of these results.
• The military are leaders in simulation training:
not just the use, development, delivery or
support of this technology; but how they have
integrated and blended it within tried-and tested
training systems [brief/debrief, training and
career plans] and organisational processes.
September 25, 2014 Omni Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 10

11. In the near future…
• As time passes, technology becomes quicker
and cheaper; bandwidth will not be an issue so
the demand for engaging e-learning increases
• But developing simulations present significant
challenges for an organisation such as cost,
skills and resources. What are these? How will
they be overcome? How can they be prepared?
What might they expect? How can they integrate
them into organisational training?
September 25, 2014 Omni Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 11

12. Proposed Postings
• United States Naval Air Command,
Training Systems Division (1 week)
Orlando, Florida POC: Dr. XYZ
• National Center for Simulation (1 week)
Orlando, Florida POC: Director XYZ
• United States Navy Media Center (2
weeks) Washington DC POC:
Commander XYZ
September 25, 2014 Omni Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 12

13. Omni Asia Pacific
OmniAP is an e-Learning solutions company
Starting out in 2000 as an internal department of ANZ Bank, we
became a commercial entity in 2004 and incorporated the
delivery of an enterprise-wide online learning management
system, courseware and consulting services to clients.
Our key strengths are in the diversity of our solutions that cover
the gamut of online learning including hosted learning
management systems aligned to all levels of organizational
needs and For Profit Learning business model; access to
regulatory and compliance courseware as well as online
courses in technology, management and leadership skills.
Omni AP looks forward to seeing what other online learning
solutions such as simulation software can be sourced or
developed that will be aligned with the Australian market need
in the near and long-term future.
September 25, 2014 Omni Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 13