The school I work for has set up a Cessna simulator based on Microsoft and an add-on panel and controls, with three large TVs for the view. I've found that this allows some useful lessons even when the weather is below VFR minimums outside. General procedure training, decision making etcetera can all be practiced. The downside of this sim is that the handling is all wrong, way too sensitive and not representative of the real deal. If you can solve that then I'm all for it.
