Abstract for: Teaching Resource Management with Web-Based Models and Multi-Player Games

Given the evidence that management of natural resources is affected not only by the tragedy of the commons but also by managers’ misconceptions about dynamics of the resource systems, a multi-user game was developed which is based on a model of fish populations and fishing company economics. This game is one exercise within a new web-based course which teaches resource management through system dynamics models and principles. A pilot test of the game assesses the potential of collaborative (as well as competitive) learning to help learners dispel their misconceptions about dynamics and develop better understanding of good resource management principles. The pilot test also investigates the degree that misconceptions, as well as the commons problem, contribute to management errors.