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About ICONSOverviewThe International Communication and Negotiation Simulations (ICONS) Project offers opportunities for high school and university students from around the world to participate in Internet-based negotiation simulations. Pioneered at the University of Maryland, ICONS was designed to enhance interactive learning by encouraging the development of critical thinking skills, a more refined appreciation of the connections among contentious issues, and an awareness of cultural differences in approaches to negotiation and problem-solving. ICONS' innovative approach provides a laboratory where students can test theories about how decision-makers resolve conflicts. In an ICONS simulation, students get the opportunity to practice negotiation skills while collaborating with peers. Working in teams, students perform research in order to develop policies on issues of international importance, such as nuclear proliferation, human rights, trade, narcotics trafficking and environmental degradation. Negotiations occur both within teams, as students try to reach consensus on their negotiation strategies, and across teams, as they seek support for their own proposals and evaluate solutions offered by others. Although participants are encouraged to be creative, they are bound by the interests and constraints of their particular roles. The participants' interactions dictate how the negotiation will evolve, and the eventual outcome of each simulation is unique. The ICONS ProcessICONS offers a fully developed, interactive negotiation module that instructors can integrate into their courses. The web-based negotiation environment provides instructors and student participants with all of the elements they need to participate in interactive simulations, including:
ICONS provides participants with a simulation scenario, as well, that sets the context for the exercise and frames the issues under consideration. The topics of our scenarios range from behind-the-scenes deliberations of the U.S. Senate to the grass-roots impacts of globalization on indigenous peoples, to the workings of multilateral international negotiations. ICONSnet Web-based SoftwareICONSnet is our Web-based simulation software. It was developed specifically to support on-line negotiations and activities. As a Web-based environment, ICONSnet lowers the technology learning curve for users, so that teachers and students can focus their energies on the substantive and active learning aspects of the simulation experience. To use ICONSnet, participants need access to one or more personal computers, all connected to the Internet, along with recent Web browser software (e.g., Internet Explorer 5.x, Netscape 6.x, Mozilla 1.x, or higher). A printer is also highly recommended. A demonstration "simulation community" is available for you to explore. Review the sample scenario and then join the negotiations as one of the following teams:
For more information, review the ICONSnet User Guide, a technical overview of ICONSnet, or a more complete discussion of the ICONSnet development process. RegistrationWhether you are new to ICONS or you are a veteran instructor, the easiest way to register is by using our on-line registration process. Not quite ready to register? Please don't hesitate to contact the ICONS Project with your questions or concerns regarding any aspect of our programs.
Last Modified: May 16, 2003 |
