ERIC Number: EJ1133061
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Mar
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2157-6254
EISSN: N/A
People Power--Computer Games in the Classroom
Hilliard, Ivan
Higher Learning Research Communications, v4 n1 p112-121 Mar 2014
This article presents a case study in the use of the computer simulation game "People Power," developed by the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict. The principal objective of the activity was to offer students an opportunity to understand the dynamics of social conflicts, in a format not possible in a traditional classroom setting. Due to the game complexity, it was decided to play it in a day-long (8 hour) workshop format. A computer lab was prepared several weeks beforehand, which meant that each team of four students had access to a number of computers, being able to have the game open on several monitors at the same time, playing on one while using the others to constantly revise information as their strategy and tactics evolved. At the end of the workshop, and after handing in a group report, the 24 participants (6 groups) were asked to complete a short survey of the activity. The survey was divided into three areas: the game itself, skill development, and the workshop organization. Results showed a strong relationship between the activity and the course content, skills and competencies development, and practical know-how and leadership, as well as a strong feeling that it works well as a learning tool and is enjoyable. [This paper was presented at the "Jornadas Internacionales de Innovación Universitaria" ("JIIU") (International Conference on Innovation in Higher Education) (10th, Villaviciosa de Odón Campus, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Spain, July 11-12, 2013).]
Descriptors: Computer Games, Class Activities, Case Studies, Computer Simulation, Social Problems, Conflict, Workshops, Student Surveys, Teaching Methods, Student Attitudes, International Relations, Resistance (Psychology), Instructional Effectiveness, Undergraduate Students, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Spain (Madrid)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A