Computer-simulated training on the rise

Computer simulations, which have been used for years as training tools by the military and airlines, are increasingly finding their way into professions such as teaching, policing, sales, and other fields that depend more on interpersonal skills than technical proficiency. These so-called "social simulators" chase an elusive goal of replicating human behavior - but their proponents say they provide a safe environment that can be used any time and are a cost-cutting alternative to face-to-face training.