Abstract for: How to Build Online Simulation Games for Classroom Use

Building sims for the classroom can be a daunting task. Simulations need to be easy to use, easy to debrief, engaging, and resistant to user error or technology breakdowns. During this workshop online simulation developers Billy Schoenberg and Michael Bean will lead you through the techniques Forio has developed over the past decade for building online simulations for use in the classroom. We will show you how you can leverage Forio Simulate, a web-based development environment to create simulations using drag-and-drop design tools. No programming skills are required. Topics we will cover include: 1. Building effective debriefing tools for faculty. 2. Creating scenarios for multiple classes. 3. Creating engaging user interfaces. 4. Making sure your simulation is re-usable across different classes in multiple semesters. 5. Creating in sim quizzes so you can get instant feedback from your students. We will spend the first quarter of the session reviewing simulations we have built for MIT, Harvard, Kellogg, and others. During the rest of the workshop we will build a classroom simulation with you. As always there will be plenty of room for Q&A throughout the entire session. Laptops are not required for this workshop but you are welcome to bring one and follow along with us.