The University of Maryland describes its International Communication and Negotiation Simulations (ICONS) Project as an “experiential learning program” that uses customised web-based tools to support educational simulations in international relations. The role-plays are aimed at developing skills in conflict resolution, decision making, negotiations, cross-cultural communication, and crisis management.
Each team takes on the role of the “decision makers” from a particular country. They interact with teams from other institutions around the world in a simulated “UN” style environment. Teams prepare their positions and strategies in advance. Discussion takes place in forums and scheduled conferences. Models focus on real life or plausible scenarios and allow participants to make informed decisions and experience the results of their actions.
Topics include health, environmental management and human rights. Teams act in accordance with the interests and priorities of their country. The resource documents represent a huge amount of reading, but it is essential to have a good understanding of the issues, and the country you are role-playing, in order to participate successfully.
The program is aimed at high school and university students, but can be customised for other training groups. Teams are anonymous and are identified only by their assumed identity/ country. Each simulation can have up to 20 teams. Approximately 7 simulations are run each year.
ICONS simulations have been running in one form or another since the early 1970’s (originally using the ARPANET - the forerunner to the internet), so they have withstood the test of time. The simulations are growing in popularity due to increasing interest in interdisciplinary educational approaches, active learning exercises, collaborative and self-directed learning and a desire to “internationalise” curriculum.
To get an understanding of how the program works you can access a demo simulation from the ICONS home page. Most of the functionality of a “real” simulation is included. A full set of resources is provided and you can read and send messages with others accessing the demo site.
This is a good place to go to become familiar with how a successful online simulation runs. For comprehensive information about building your own online simulation check out the free “Simulation Builder”.
