Forget the tool when training new simulation users

Training new users of simulation programs typically focuses on a single tool–specific techniques for interacting with, creating models, and assessing performance. Unfortunately, this tends to produce users limited by a particular tool’s capabilities—not users that can easily decide how best to tackle a simulation problem, regardless of tool. Additionally, tool-specific introductions to simulation tend to encourage novices to be ‘tool driven'—everything begins to look like a nail when your only tool is a hammer. This paper argues for a tool-independent approach to training first-time simulation program users. A suggested curriculum is presented for generalized simulation techniques and assessment methods independent of any tool. How this approach has worked with graduate students and researchers with and without prior simulation experience is also discussed.