White papers
An enterprise simulation platform for education:
Building a world game for pre-college students with Microsoft ESP
Exhibit 1: Partner capabilities
Participating organizations represent a wide range of institutions from the business, engineering, education, and research communities. Partners have worked together to shape the plan for the project; their capabilities will support future efforts.
1. The College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Vermont will provide project management, budget monitoring, STEM expertise, and project leadership. The University of Vermont houses the current ITEST Global Challenge Project.
2. Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California, Berkeley will provide materials from its Global Systems Science curriculum as well as science and K–12 project expertise.
3. WestEd will provide expertise on embedded assessment theory and methods in simulations, conduct formative assessment of the project, monitor the research design, and prepare for formal summative evaluation.
4. Acron Capability Engineering will build and host the Web application. As an original launch partner for Microsoft ESP, Acron is collaborating on three projects that will demonstrate how this platform can be used to enhance traditional instructional methodologies in order to improve efficiency, effectiveness, engagement, and experiential focus in contemporary education and training programs. The projects include:
• An advanced military training and simulation program (in collaboration with the Canadian Forces)
• A French language and culture training program for students in grades 10–12 (in collaboration with the Province of New Brunswick)
• The Global Challenge World Game project
5. Microsoft will supply technical advice on the ESP and Flight Simulator X technologies that will underlay the World Challenge Game application.
6. Museum of Science, Boston will play an advisory role in the early stages of the project while preparing to support teacher professional development activities and school-wide field testing during subsequent stages.
7. The National Science Foundation has provided early funding and will continue to support the project.
