Constructive simulation as a collaborative learning tool in education and training of crisis staff

Abstract

This paper presents how military units and technology can help local societies in preparation for natural and man-made disasters by using constructive simulations. Contemporary constructive simulation systems allow for the implementation of non-combat scenarios, meaning that different social groups and institutions can be involved in learning exercises. These systems are recognized as tools appropriate for collaborative learning. Flooding scenario is used as a case study for the constructive simulation presented in this paper. Players are local community members and mili-tary personnel. They have to act as individuals - members of crisis staff and teams in rescuing and evacuating people, animals and material goods. Since flooding simulators are stand alone applications, specially designed for this purpose, dynamical hydrographical models have not been supported in constructive simulation systems. Therefore, in this work we have devised a new ap-proach for simulating a flooding scenario. During the simulation, learners face many problems such as lack of resources and time on one hand and too many requirements on the other hand. Through an iterative process they learn and collaborate with each other and find appropriate solu-tions on how to perform their tasks. Different pedagogical strategies and tactics are used in ac-cordance with the system constraints and opportunities.