ICONSnet

Participate in simulations from anywhere with ICONSnet.

ICONSnet's features

Resources

This feature houses relevant simulation background materials, including the scenario document and participant guide. Some simulations also include detailed role sheets which provide role-specific guidance, while others require significant research using other provided materials.

Messages

This asynchronous communication tool, similar to email, is used by participants to dialogue "in character" with all the roles represented in the simulation.

Conferences

This synchronous communication tool is used by the simulation facilitator to schedule real-time discussion on a specific simulation topic. This tool can be used to create spaces for open-ended, ongoing discussions.

Proposals

This set of features allows participants to craft, review, sponsor, and vote on proposals addressing the issues presented in the simulation scenario.

Actions

This tool allows participants to take unilateral actions or moves within the simulation representing what roles "do." Taking actions can dramatically alter group dynamics and/or influence negotiations. In some simulations, actions may trigger alerts or other substantive "consequences," further influencing the simulation environment.

Injects

This tool is used by facilitators to create and manage "pre-loaded" messages that can be sent out during the simulation. Injects can include news stories, intelligence reports, or other outbound communications from entities or roles not directly represented in the simulation. Injects shape or advance the simulation narrative and are used to add pressure, influence negotiations, and/or provide additional realism to the simulation.

Social Media

This feature emulates blogs and various social media platforms. Depending on the simulation, participants can create or react to posts from other roles.

Brainstorm

This decision-making tool allows participants to make lists and share ideas in response to questions or prompts. Participants can comment on list items and, if applicable, items can be formally approved or rejected.

Reports

This feature allows participants to respond to reports at various points in the simulation. Participants are prompted to answer a series of questions specified by the facilitator. Reports are often used to encourage reflection on negotiation goals and strategies, or to collect responses as a part of debriefing.

Technical requirements

Participants receive a username and password to access their simulation. ICONSnet is accessible from any computer with an internet connection and an up-to-date web browser. No downloads. No installations. No headaches. Here is all you will need:

• One or more Internet-connected computers or devices per team. (Optimized for desktop and laptop computers.)
• Up-to-date web browser. (Recent Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, or Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported.)
• JavaScript and pop-up windows must be enabled. (Check your browser settings.)
• No plug-ins or additional software required.

Special features for educational use

ICONSnet's flexible format helps instructors expand the opportunities for when, where, and how students can engage in active learning. For educational use, we offer classes the ability to produce individual student login accounts and provide instructors with a Faculty Area with administrative tools for monitoring student participation. Educators, explore the available online education simulations in the ICONS catalog and request a free scenario excerpt!

Learn more about ICONSnet

If you are interested in learning more about using ICONSnet with your agency, organization, or business, please contact icons@umd.edu.