Pedagogy through online Role Play Simulations: a Review of Experiences in Social Sciences

In this lecture, based on 20 years of experience in running on-line role play simulations, Helen Hintjens will review some of the evidence about how on-line role play simulations facilitate various forms of learning, including attitudinal and behavioural learning.

Based on the notion of leaving one's 'comfort zone', but in the safe space of off-line communications, the lecture will explore how sensitive issues can be handled in a way that allows for reflection, role-based information and a greater awareness of the diversity of perspectives, from specific embedded positions in society.

Helen proposes that in the context of ISS, online role play simulations could become a useful complementary pedagogic method alongside more conventional teaching, participatory classes and innovative methods using on-line technologies, for example in ISS. She shows that the learning experience through on-line role play simulations can be as 'academic' as regular classroom teaching, but also has the capacity to integrate affect and intellect.