Prepare your college students using real-world challenges.
Professors in a wide range of disciplines have found ICONS simulations to be an excellent addition to their course syllabi — from introductory Political Science courses to MBA negotiation courses! Placing college students in a variety of roles and asking them to adapt, negotiate, and collaborate to solve complex problems helps students prepare for the realities of the workplace.
Interdisciplinary content and opportunities
ICONS simulations are a great way to connect concepts and content across disciplines. Our simulation topics lend themselves to interdisciplinary study, and our multi-faculty simulation option makes it easy to collaborate with other professors and courses on a shared simulation activity. College courses in political science, international relations, business, communications, languages, teacher education, physical sciences, and more have taken part in multi-faculty simulations!
Flexibility for professors and students
Flexible payment options and flexible simulation formats help ICONS meet the unique needs of professors and students at a variety of academic institutions. Simulations can be scheduled to take place online during class time or outside of class. You aren't restricted by the confines of the classroom! Each student can pay for their own access online by credit card during the sign-up process. Alternatively, if your school has funding available to support your entire class' participation in an ICONS simulation, we have a discounted option that allows schools to receive an invoice and pay by check, credit card, or wire transfer.
Easy access for analysis
ICONS simulations record transcripts of all simulation activities, including messages, proposals, and other exchanges between participants. These online records are invaluable in assisting students with their analysis at the end of a simulation. When students use evidence to support their written reflections and analysis, they strengthen their analytic and writing skills.
High-Impact Practices
ICONS simulations embody many of the high-impact teaching and learning processes that have been shown to be beneficial to college students, especially those who have been underserved. Through the simulation, students become active participants in their own learning. By working in groups, students engaged in collaborative assignments and projects as well as decision making. Communication depends on the written word, so in both the simulation and the research phase, students have a writing intensive experience. This also underscores the importance of research about the world around us, that is, "global learning." And it can easily be integrated into a first year and/or capstone experience. As research shows, these practices can increase student engagement and contribute to student retention. All while students are learning about current international issues.
See American Association of American College and Universities, "High-Impact Practices."