**2.1.4 Classroom simulators**

These simulators usually include detailed mathematical modelling and they can be divided in two groups: graphical and multi-user. Graphical simulators are based on a representation of the HMI in graphical form (display units or virtual images). These simulators provide a low-cost alternative to other simulators requiring the use of control

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per-use service that, in real-time over the Internet, extends information technologies existing capabilities. Cloud computing providers deliver applications via the internet, which are accessed from a web browser, while the business software and data are stored on servers at

In the current transition process to new computational paradigms, where Internet plays a important role, the use of modern techniques for the development of software applications is a key strategy to guide these technologies, and training simulators require to adapt their platforms to support suitable graphical interfaces for the final user and implement the Internet communication mechanisms called web services. As a result of this process, it is obtained a web user interface which allows interacting with a simulator from a remote location via a HMI with similar features to the ones available in the simulators of the training centres. In such way, the simulator is available to any computer with an internet connection and a web browser with the plugins required for the application. Figure 6 shows the services provided by cloud computing and its comparison

As it was mentioned at the beginning of the chapter, the instructor of a training session is in charge of directing and supervising to the trainees. The role of the instructor depends

a remote location (Wikipedia, 2011a).

Fig. 6. Cloud computing services.

**2.2 Instructor role and training programmes** 

with the services required for a full-scope simulator.

room hardware (IAEA, 1998); therefore they have been used preferably in the nuclear power industry due to the great number of control boards of these plants. On the other hand, multi-user simulators are installed in a local area network and they are used as a complement of the training courses for operators of fossil power plants (Tavira-Mondragón et al., 2005; Romero-Jiménez et al., 2008). In these simulators, the instructor has a console where he simultaneously directs the simulation sessions for each one of the trainees. With his console, the instructor establishes the same or different training exercises for each one of the students and supervises them in an individual way from the same interface. Each one of the trainees has his own console to operate the simulated power plant in an independent way of the other students.
