FABLUSI is the name of web-based software that provides a template for designing and moderating simulations through role play. It stands for "Fabulous Illusions" - which is quite apt.

At times, there was a thin line between illusion and reality as our intrepid and creative team explored the complexities of designing and moderating simulations.

During the project, our learning curve not only took off quickly, but turbo accelerated into the unknown - it was a true exploration, but I guess that's what Innovation Projects are all about!

This was the first time Fablusi had been used within the VET sector - how would it go with a competency-based system? Would it work for the types of ssues we wanted to address? We sure found out!

LESSON 1 - Experience a simulation before trying to design one
We started by participating in a simulation focusing on Sexual Harassment in the workplace. What would you do if you were at the Office Christmas Party and overheard the CEO refer to his Personal Assistant as "My Girlie" - especially when the PA was a young man recently promoted and new to the organisation?
It could depend on the role you chose - the EO Officer, the Union Rep, the Editor of the local newsletter, the PA etc.
In a simulation, each role is given a public and private agenda, a role description and their goal for the simulation.
The simulation is moderated over a specified time and one thing was for sure - everyone learned more abour sexual harassment policy and procedure in those two weeks than they ever knew before.

What we learned from our first experience
- a thorough induction process is critical for both moderators and players
- role play is serious business, but can be great fun too. It is definitely immersive and engaging
- moderation is a key to success and is quite a complex skill
- debriefing is essential. The issues that arise as a result of a role play are often unpredictable
- there are stages in the role play development process.

LESSON 2: Design with a team
We soon found out there were three types of skills involved in role-play.
1. Design - coming up with the scenario, the characters and their interplays and weaving the learning outcomes into the process was both stimulating and challenging
2.Technology - coming to grips with the Fablusi software was a dream for some and a nighmare for others. A template may look easy to use, but unless you are fairly techno-savvy, it could become a distractor
3.Moderation - once the whole simulation is up, it is moderated and being aware that this needs to be considered in the design process was an important learning point for all of us.

Although we had a few all-rounders who could tackle all three components well, people tended to gravitate towards different skills, so a multi-disciplinary team approach is highly recommended!

LESSON 3 - Moderation is a challenge
While not everyone got to moderate their simulations for the full cycle, those who did found out that it is a committed process. Moderators need to have their finger on the pulse. Everyone agreed that this is a skill they are keen to develop.

LESSON 4 - Debrief the simulation
While this is a moderator's role, it was clear that a debriefing process is needed to bring the simulation to closure. It is easy to identify with roles and to become immersed in a simulation. Debriefing is where much of the learning takes place as it involves reflecting and embellishing on experiences.

THE SIMULATIONS WE CREATED
1. Christmas Party from Hell - For Professional Development on Sexual Harassment
2. Fashion House - A communications module for Footwear
3. Class From Hell - A student services professional development simulation on how to handle inappropriate behaviours
4. Aussieburger- Managing Virtual Teams for Business Services

THE PROJECT AFTER THE PROJECT - OUR NEXT STEP
LearnScope is a turbo boost for projects already underway, so our project is not finishing just because the funding has.
This is what we have planned for Term 1, 2002
1. Refine an induction resource for learners and moderators
2. Conduct an induction workshop to demonstrate the role plays and to give a clear outline of what is expected from a simulation experience
3. Implement all four role plays, do an evaluation and make refinements
4. Conduct a debriefing skills workshop
5. Support new moderators
6. Keep our creative team together and develop our own expertise in designing and facilitating web-based role plays!

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
1. Working with a team of creative colleagues - XTREME LEARNING
2. The workshops with Roni Linser and Albert Ip, the Fablusi developers
3. The experiences of the role plays
4. The workshop with Bryan Dawe on developing characters.

ABOVE ALL, WE HAVE DISCOVERED A METHODOLOGY THAT EXPLOITS THE CAPABILITIES OF THE WEB AND PROMOTES A PROBLEM-BASED COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO ONLINE LEARNING.

FABLUSI - It's Fabulous!