Interactive simulation platforms—such as virtual labs, coding sandboxes, or business management simulations—allow learners to engage with realistic scenarios in a controlled digital environment. These platforms reflect multiple pedagogical approaches:

Didactic/Mimetic: At the entry level, learners often follow guided steps, replicate examples, or imitate expert procedures, which builds foundational skills through modeling.

Authentic/Synthetic: As learners progress, they integrate knowledge from different domains and apply it to solve complex, contextualized problems within the simulation. This encourages synthesis of theory and practice in realistic scenarios.

Transformative/Reflexive: Many simulations incorporate reflection prompts or analytics dashboards that encourage learners to evaluate their decisions, consider alternative strategies, and reflect on the implications of their actions. This promotes critical thinking, self-awareness, and the ability to transfer learning to real-world contexts.

In essence, interactive simulations embody a full spectrum of pedagogical dynamics: they start with imitation, move through synthesis, and culminate in reflective, transformative learning, making them a powerful tool for 21st-century education.