Experiences in Teaching Middle East Politics via Internet-based Role-Play Simulation

Abstract

Abstract: In this article we describe how the Internet and the World Wide Web have been used to add a new dimension to the teaching of Middle East Politics. Students carry out extended role-play simulations, via the mechanisms of email and chat-rooms, to conduct Middle East diplomacy. In the process, they learn about both the specifics of Middle East politics and international relations in general. Student evaluation of the simulation has indicated that they provide an effective learning environment, providing both motivation to study and "hands-on experience" in the practice of international relations. Reviewers: Simeon Yates (Open U.), Mats Daniels (Uppsala U.), Robin Brown (U. Leeds) Interactive elements: 'A video with author Andrew Vincent, plus footage from the Middle East role play simulations and student interviews. The Middle East Simulation Website, as used by students in the May 1997 exercise, is at http://www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~jas/poli/sample/.The Chat-room, and the new Web-based interface can be viewed at http://bock.cse.unsw.edu.au:8080/, and require a browser that can handle JavaScript. .'

Keywords

• computer-mediated communication
• educational technology
• electronic mail
• Internet
• international relations
• Middle East politics
• role-play simulation
• World Wide Web