Using VirtualCase in Internation Studies

Using VirtualCase in International Studies

For his International Political Economy 401 class last autumn, UW lecturer Kenny Lawson put together a role-playing simulation using VirtualCase (see box below). He divided over 100 students into some 30 groups, each representing a nation or international organization. Their task was to propose solutions and negotiate agreements on AIDS, debt, and other policy issues.

What Is VirtualCase?

VirtualCase is a Catalyst tool you can use to set up a case study or simulation that brings resources together so students can problem solve and

Collaborate by sharing files, a message board, and images on the Web
Make decisions as a group

VirtualCase is based on medical educations virtual clinic model of problem-based learning created by UW professor Ed Walker in 1998.

Learn more about VirtualCase

Students could communicate within their group using VirtualCase, but they also wanted to communicate group-to-group. This capability wasn't part of the tool, but the VirtualCase developers were able to make the change.

"VirtualCase allowed us to do pretty elaborate communication without using a lot of class time," says Lawson. "Students could share files, arrange meetings, and talk to other groups anytime."

For faculty trying to develop a hands-on learning environment, Lawson says VirtualCase allows students to collaborate in ways they probably couldn't without technology. "It'd be great for classes that meet only a couple times a week. Students love it."

Lawson feels VirtualCase allows him to adopt other exercises and be more innovative in his teaching. "I'm convinced that simulations provide excellent hands-on learning so I try to use them in all my classes."

University of Washington Computing & Communications
Windows on Technology, No. 29, May 2003
newsltr@cac.washington.edu
Modified: May 9, 2003