Standalone scenarios are session‑less evaluations that can be assigned at any time, without requiring a recorded simulation session. They are ideal for educational activities where video capture is not needed , but grading, reflection, or competency tracking is still required.

This article explains when Standalone scenarios are the best choice and provides common use cases.

What Makes a Scenario Standalone?

Standalone scenarios:

• Do not require a recorded session
• Can be manually assigned at any time
• Support grading and reporting
• Can be grouped with other evaluations in a course
• Work well for asynchronous, remote, or lab‑based activities

They are especially useful when the learning objective focuses on reflection, knowledge checks, or skill completion , rather than video review.

Example Use Case: Hearing Distressing Voices Simulation

This empathy‑building scenario helps learners understand the experience of psychosis and is commonly used in mental health training for students, clinicians, and first responders.

Activity Format

• Students work in pairs , alternating roles
• Patient role : Wears headphones simulating auditory hallucinations during a post‑hospitalization appointment
• Nurse role : Conducts a psychiatric assessment and interview
• Debrief : Students submit a written reflection addressing communication barriers, personal insights, and learning outcomes

Why Use a Standalone Scenario?

This activity relies on audio playback and written reflection , not video capture. A Standalone evaluation allows instructors to attach audio files and collect learner reflections without recording a session , making it ideal for formative assessment.

Learning Activities and Coursework

Standalone scenarios are well suited for learning activities that require submission for a grade , such as:

• Homework assignments
• Pre‑simulation preparation tasks
• Knowledge checks or short reflections

Because they can be assigned independently of scheduled sessions, Standalone evaluations offer flexibility for instructors and learners.

Lab Environments and Procedure Days

Standalone scenarios are ideal for lab‑based skill checkoffs where students rotate through stations and sessions are typically unrecorded.

Common examples include:

• Venipuncture
• Arterial blood gas (ABG)
• Injections
• Abscess management

In these environments, Standalone evaluations provide a practical way to document performance and competency without managing video recordings.

Remote and Non‑Recorded Activities

Standalone scenarios are also effective for:

• Remote learning assignments
• Asynchronous activities
• Any task that does not require video capture

They support consistent evaluation workflows even when learners are not physically present or when recording is not feasible.

Benefits of Standalone Scenarios

• Can be assigned manually at any time
• Do not require session scheduling or recording
• Can be grouped with other evaluations in a course
• Simplify tracking and reporting for Competency‑Based Education (CBE)
• Help consolidate learning data across classroom, lab, and remote activities

When Not to Use Standalone Scenarios

If an activity requires:

• Video review
• Live observation
• Session annotations or playback

Use a session‑based scenario instead.