Revolutionizing Digital Marketing Education: My Experience with SIMBOUND Simulation

The Simbound simulation platform provided our students with a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical, risk free environment. Instead of spending months writing a lengthy dissertation students were immersed in a dynamic, interactive world where they could make real time decisions and witness the consequences of their actions. The results were nothing short of remarkable, and I'm excited to share my experience with fellow educators.

Usability

One of the most significant aspects of the Simbound platform is how it was user friendly for our students. The interface was easy to adapt allowing them to focus on strategies instead of struggling with technical issues. The platform's intuitive design meant that even those students who are less comfortable with technology can participate fully and confidently.

Support

The support provided by the Simbound team was exceptional. Whenever we encountered questions or needed assistance, their responsive and knowledgeable staff was always ready to help. This level of support ensured that both students and instructors could make the most of the platform's capabilities.

Feedback

The feedback from students was very positive. Several students expressed how the simulation helped them to have a better understanding of the theory and practice. They enjoyed the whole experience of the simulation and appreciated the opportunity to experiment different marketing and pricing strategies, data analysis and adjust their approaches based on results. This hands on experience proved invaluable in building their confidence and practical skills.

Simulation vs Legacy Approach

Compared to the traditional dissertation approach, I found several advantages in doing simulation:

1.     Real world application: students are allowed to apply theories in a context that is very similar to real world scenarios.

2.     Immediate feedback: Unlike a dissertation, where feedback comes only at the end, the Simbound simulation provided instant results, allowing for continuous learning and improvement.

3.     Time efficiency: The simulation compacted months of learning into a more manageable timeframe, without sacrificing the depth of understanding.

4.     Engagement: According to my personal observation, students reported higher levels of engagement and motivation compared to the traditional dissertation.

5.     Skill development: The platform helped students develop critical thinking, decision-making, and data analysis skills that are directly applicable to their future careers.

While the traditional dissertation has its advantages, I believe this simulation-based approach offers a more comprehensive and engaging learning experience for students in the field of Digital Marketing. It prepares them more effectively for the fast paced, data driven world of modern marketing. Thus based on this experience, I strongly recommend the use of simulation platforms as an alternative to traditional dissertations, particularly in fields like Digital Marketing where practical application is crucial. Specifically, I encourage my fellow lecturers, both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, to consider the Simbound platform for their courses.

Arash Valipour, PhD, FHEA

Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Marketing

Co-Programme Director, MSc Marketing

School of Business and Management | Queen Mary University of London

Please be advised that the views expressed in this article are those of the author alone, based on his experience of using the Simbound product. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Queen Mary University of London.

The Simbound team would like to thank Queen Mary University of London staff and students for placing their trust in our company to oversee a significant aspect of this MSc Digital Marketing course.

We encourage new educators to contribute to the latest developments in technology and education through the use of simulations 👌