Vendor Content Adaptation
Overview
This page is your guide for adapting vendor content (like CompTIA, AWS, Cisco) to match Per Scholas’ Workplace Simulation Model.
We simulate what it feels like to do the work — not just learn about it.
- Aligns learning to real job roles
- Embeds communication, teamwork, and documentation
- Supports performance-based assessments tied to KPIs
What to Keep vs. Modify
Keep:
- Core technical skills
- Accurate certification standards
- Vendor visuals and diagrams
- Tools aligned with industry workflows
Modify or Replace:
- Instruction → Make it active and scenario-based
- Quizzes → Replace with performance tasks
- Examples → Use real workplace requests
- Any content that's outdated, redundant, or passive
Step-by-Step Adaptation Workflow
Tip: Use the PS ID Companion for step-by-step guidance. Paste your vendor content and ask it to adapt each step below!
Sample prompts:
- “Adapt this lab on subnetting into a real-world IT support ticket.”
- “Rewrite this module intro as a scenario where the trainee is on-call.”
- “Generate a workplace-based reflection prompt for this activity.”
Step 1: Analyze Vendor Content
- Review all vendor materials for technical accuracy and completeness
- Map content to Per Scholas learning objectives and simulation context
- Identify gaps, redundancies, and areas for improvement
- Note which activities could be adapted for simulation
Alignment: Every section should map to a learning objective.
Step 2: Adapt for Simulation
- Modify instructional approach to include scenario-based activities
- Add role-play, teamwork, and workplace communication tasks
- Enhance or replace assessments to be more authentic and job-relevant
- Integrate professional skills (communication, collaboration, time management)
Focus: Make activities workplace-relevant and team-based.
Step 3: Review and Refine
- Conduct peer review for technical accuracy and simulation alignment
- Gather feedback from pilot runs or test learners if possible
- Revise and finalize materials based on feedback
- Document all major changes and adaptation decisions
Documentation: Keep track of all adaptation decisions.
Simulation Integration
Wrapping Content in Simulation
- Start modules or activities with a workplace scenario or client request
- Assign roles or teams for activities when possible
- Require deliverables that mirror real work (e.g., documentation, presentations)
- Include reflection prompts and peer feedback
- Ensure all activities align with simulation objectives
Example: Adapting a CompTIA A+ Lab — Printer Installation
Original Vendor Lab (Click to Expand)
Overview: Learners complete a basic, procedural task with no real-world framing.
Structure:
- Install a printer driver
- Print a test page
- Answer multiple-choice questions about printer troubleshooting
Issues with the Original Format:
- No role or scenario
- No collaboration or communication
- Assessment is recall-based
- No documentation required
- Lacks any connection to workplace simulation
Adapted Simulation-Based Version (Click to Expand)
Scenario: You are a trainee IT Support Specialist on your second week at a managed services company. The HR department submitted a ticket: “Please install and configure a new network printer for our team by 2 PM. We need full access for all HR staff. Also, document everything so we can reuse the steps in the future.”
Task:
- Partner with a peer to install the network printer
- Configure access for the HR user group
- Respond to simulated follow-up questions from HR (via instructor or AI prompt)
Deliverables: A completed support ticket including:
- Installation steps
- Configuration settings
- Troubleshooting notes
- Screenshot of a successful print test
- Short reflection (2–3 sentences), such as:
- What blocker did you hit?
- How did you resolve it?
- What would you improve for next time?
Assessment Criteria:
- Technical accuracy
- Clarity of documentation
- Professional tone and client communication
- Evidence of collaboration and role-based thinking
Side-by-Side Comparison (Click to Expand)
| Category | Original Lab | Adapted Simulation Lab |
|---|---|---|
| Framing | Generic install task | Internal ticket request from HR |
| Role | None | Trainee IT Support Specialist |
| Collaboration | None | Peer task with shared accountability |
| Deliverables | Quiz, task confirmation | Ticket, screenshot, reflection |
| Assessment Focus | Knowledge recall | Workplace execution + communication |
| Workplace Simulation | Not present | Fully embedded (role, tools, ticketing system) |
Pro Tip: You can generate simulations like this instantly using the PS ID Companion — including:
- Realistic role-based scenarios
- Workplace-style deliverables
- Assessment criteria aligned to KPIs
- Built-in QA feedback
Need support with curriculum development?
- Join our weekly curriculum development sync.
- Schedule a development consultation with an instructional lead.
- Access development templates and examples from our resource library.
- Review past projects in our documentation.
- Connect with other curriculum developers.