Our Mission
The ICONS Project advances learning by designing and delivering dynamic, role-play simulations for students and professionals worldwide
About ICONS
Overview
The ICONS Project offers high school and university students from around the world the opportunity to participate in Internet-based simulations. ICONS' interactive approach is designed to enhance learning by encouraging students to:
- Become experts about some of today's most contentious political issues
- Identify interests of key actors in the domestic and international political arenas
- Test theories regarding the methods decision makers use to resolve conflict
- Develop communication and negotiation skills while collaborating with peers
Negotiations occur both within teams, as participants try to reach consensus on their priorities and strategies, and across teams, as they build support for proposals crafted to address pressing issues and evaluate proposals offered by others.
The ICONS Process
Every ICONS simulation consists of three main phases:
Pre-simulation Preparation
Students work as a team to research positions using the ICONS research library and other online resources to determine a negotiating strategy for their role in the simulation.
Negotiation & Decision-Making
Students pursue their specific goals through interactions with other teams using the ICONSnet online communication system. This may include messaging, conferences and consideration of proposals.
Post-Simulation Debriefing
Teachers lead students through written and verbal reviews of the exercise to reinforce learning objectives.
Simulation Materials
ICONS has crafted a suite of materials for both students and instructors for each of its simulation offerings. These materials provide everything you'll need to get started with the simulation experience, including:
- Simulation scenario
- Negotiation questions
- Role sheets
- Online research library
- Simulation mechanics and rules
- Instructors' guide:
- Technical support
- Suggested assignments
- Ideas for assessing student performance
ICONSnet
ICONSnet is our Web-based simulation software. It was developed specifically to support online negotiations and activities. ICONSnet allows for messaging among and within teams, proposal drafting and amending, voting, real-time conferences, and submitting private progress reports to the instructor.
The benefits of online simulations include:
- Facilitating inclusion of a more diverse and dispersed collection of students
- Expanding the amount of time students can dedicate to the exercise
- Encouraging more exchanges and more nuanced discussions among participants
- Empowering less vocal students
- Challenging students' writing skills
- Providing teachers and students with a full transcript of the negotiations
Awards
American Council on Education (ACE) Technology as a Tool for Internationalization Award This award is designed to "recognize and publicize the innovative use of technology to enhance undergraduates' international learning at U.S. colleges and universities."
University of Maryland Award for Innovation in Teaching with Technology This award "recognizes innovative uses of technology in the teaching/learning process at the University of Maryland."
Registration
Whether you are new to ICONS or you are a veteran instructor, the easiest way to register is through our on-line registration process.
Not quite ready to register? Please don't hesitate to contact the ICONS Project at icons@gvpt.umd.edu with your questions or concerns regarding any aspect of our programs.
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