Our Mission
To change the learning and training landscape through the use of immersive simulation-based technology and experiences.
How we do it:
Innovate: Use our expertise and experience to enhance existing training methods, or to replace ineffective or outdated processes with the use of simulation that is live, recorded with 360 decree angles, augmented reality or virtual reality.
Invent: Our team will create the tools you need to enable your vision and meet your needs. Our expertise is in live/in-person simulation experiences, recorded simulated events using a 360 degree camera to provide an immersive feel, and augmented/virtual reality experiences.
Influence: Immersive simulation training speeds up the process of effective decision making through concentrated experiences practiced in a safe learning environment. Let us help you improve the effectiveness of your learning and training practices.
Our Story
After years of teaching students and others with experiential learning, otherwise known as simulation, the CSI team made the decision to expand and offer services to others who are interested in providing their students and employees with this type of highly effective and long-lasting training.
Teaching and training students and employees has been a passion for the CSI team for decades. In the early 2000s, simulation training came to the forefront of many healthcare programs as a way to add realism and fidelity. Many of us were involved with in-person simulation training within the field of nursing. We saw the effectiveness of the learning, critical thinking, and confidence that came with its use. The more it was used, the better the results. We then expanded this type of learning to non-healthcare-related fields with similar results.
Over the years, we expanded our simulation capabilities to include video recording, portable simulation training, using our 360-degree camera capability, and augmented and virtual reality.
Our Leadership Team
Dr. Cindy Fenske- Executive Director
Dr. Cindy Fenske is the creator and Executive Director of the Center for Simulation and Innovation. Dr. Fenske had a lengthy career at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, where she was recognized for her innovative teaching methods with several honors. Throughout her tenure at the University of Michigan, she was a team member in the development and implementation of their robust simulation program. In 2015, Dr. Fenske started the nursing program at Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA), which included the planning and realization of a state-of-the-art simulation center and simulation-based curriculum. As a professor at CUAA, she has been heavily involved in leading and mentoring others in the establishment and integration of all types of simulation, including in-person, video recorded, and augmented/virtual reality, as a highly effective teaching and training tool within any discipline of study or field of training. Dr. Fenske received her degrees from Valparaiso University, the University of Michigan, and Oakland University. She has presented nationally on topics related to the use of experiential and immersive simulation training and its positive effects on learning, retention, and judgment development.
Chris Raasch – Senior Director of Education Technology
Chris Raasch is the Senior Director of Technology Development for the Center for Simulation and Innovation. Mr. Raasch has worked in a variety of roles in and around technology, that began with computer lab management through systems analyst, instructional technologist, to Director of Information Technology overseeing the retrofit and modernization of all aspects of the network and computing environment. During his career path, Mr. Raasch also worked as a software developer for an educational R&D organization where he was awarded a patent for his work, then as a software engineer for Sony Creative Software creating online photo sharing software. Mr. Raasch received his Master's in Educational Technology from Concordia University and has worked on international standards bodies to establish learning interoperability standards. Mr. Raasch has supported teaching and learning at Concordia by developing various learning tools including video capture, streaming, and distribution, classroom automation technology, and a broad variety of technological educational tools.
