 Dr. Jon Wilkenfeld,
ICONS Executive Director: "ICONS grew out of my interest in the possibilities of technology as a teaching tool. Simulations provide a laboratory for the social sciences, allowing students to put theory into practice. In the end, they gain a much clearer understanding of the workings of the international system."
Jim Barry, George Mason University: "Our class demonstrated the ICONS African Politics Simulation at our school's Technology Showcase, and received an award for Best Use of Technology to Enhance Learning. Thanks for creating this opportunity for my students . . ."
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 What is ICONS?
The International Communication and Negotiation Simulations (ICONS) Project at the University of Maryland offers Web-based negotiation simulations that highlight such global issues as international security, the environment, human rights, conflict, and development. [Find out more about ICONS. . .]
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 What do students learn?
ICONS' focus on real-world, authentic problem-solving creates a powerful learning tool for students. The students learned how to resolve issues effectively, how international politics functions, and the importance of looking at issues from all perspectives. [Learn more. . .]
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Who participates?
Faculty and students from colleges and universities around the world take part in ICONS simulations. [Review participating institutions by continent. . .]
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How does ICONS work?
In the classroom, there are three main components to the ICONS process: research, simulation, and debriefing. The online environment for ICONS negotiations is ICONSnet, our customized, Web-based software, that is easily accessible from any computer connected to the Internet.
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The Proposal Center is a space within our ICONSnet simulation and messaging software where countries can submit, edit, view, sponsor, and vote on agreements that address the issues outlined in the simulation scenario. [Get the details. . .]
In order to better serve our participants, ICONS has revised the International System simulation scenario to reflect the broad changes in the global political system. With the addition of globalization as an issue area, and substantial changes in the focus of existing topics, this new scenario more accurately reflects the shift towards a North/South international dialogue. This new approach allows teams representing developing nations to more fully engage the issues, while presenting new challenges for teams representing more developed nations. [Review the scenario. . .]
Our newest ICONS simulation, the International Whaling Commission (IWC), is a negotiation process exercise that supports courses wholly of primarily focused on environmental politics. A scenario, background, and other materials are provided so that you can run the exercise quickly, with minimal need for external research. The IWC is designed to be run with students from a single class. The simulation's flexible structure allows you to schedule it at any point in semester. [Details and scenario. . .]
Register for the IWC simulation now!
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Following are short descriptions, program dates, and links to additional information for upcoming ICONS simulations. Call us at (301) 405-4172 or e-mail us at icons@gvpt.umd.edu with your questions or comments.
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A 5-week-long simulation providing an overview of the policy interactions among nations in the international system, focusing on international security concerns, the global environment, world health, human rights, and debt and development issues. [Read scenario. . .]
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Oct. 15 - Nov. 16, 2001
March 25 - April 26, 2002
April 1 - May 3, 2002
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Fees
Register Now!
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A 3-week-long regional simulation focusing on regional economic integration, environmental degradation, cooperative resource schemes, and narco-diplomacy. [Read scenario. . .]
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March 25 - April 12, 2002
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Fees
Register Now!
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A 3-week-long regional simulation focusing on issues of nation building, regional health problems, ethnic and migration issues, and questions of regional identity. [Read scenario. . .]
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March 25 - April 12, 2002
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Fees
Register Now!
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A 3-week-long regional simulation focusing on redefinition of the regional agenda in traditional security terms, as well as such new challenges as ethnic conflict and resource competition. [Read scenario. . .]
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Oct. 29 - Nov. 16, 2001
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Fees
Register Now!
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A short single-issue simulation focusing on the environment
and featuring set roles, timed bargaining rounds, and fixed negotiation outcomes. Ideal for use in single or linked classrooms. [Read scenario. . .]
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Note: Scheduled by request.
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Fees
Register Now!
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© 2001, ICONS Project
Department of Government & Politics
University of Maryland
icons@gvpt.umd.edu
http://www.icons.umd.edu/inform/university.htm
Last modified: June 7, 2001
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