This study was undertaken to better understand the nature of nursing students' perspectives toward simulative learning modality for gaining pre-clinical experience via self-paced cognitive tool--Avatar. Findings indicates that participants engaged in synchronous Avatar learning environment had higher levels of appreciation toward Avatar learning modality and shown the most favor attitudes toward self-paced and synchronous approach for gaining pre-clinical experience via the innovative computer cognitive learning tool--Avatar. Development of Avatar, design of semantic assessment instrument, and findings across participants' gender, age, year-in-college, computer literacy, academic achievement, and their preferences were also presented and discussed. (Contains 3 tables.)