The distance learning phase not only posed new challenges, but provided new opportunities for the “Simulation Games in Strategic Communication” project. The simulation test which was supposed to take place in the spring semester with master’s students from Public Relations and International Communication programs was conducted online.
The project team of Vilnius University Faculty of Communication adapted the scenario of the simulation to work in an online environment. The new online simulation scenario and it‘s material for students and lecturers will shortly be presented by the Faculty of Communication team to the project partners from Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Latvia) and University of Tartu (Estonia). As stated by the SimGames project manager from Vilnius University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Renata Matkevičienė – an online simulation aids not only to the development of strategic communication knowledge and skills, but also to the development of currently extremely relevant skills of working in an online environment.
The simulation took place in two stages, in the first stage the groups of students had to prepare for the simulation independently. During this stage the students had to conduct an analysis of the situation and come up with a thorough strategic team plan. The second stage took place in a virtual space, during which the teams had to communicate their positions, plan and implement negotiations between 6 teams with different interests and try to find allies and common grounds in a difficult situation.
After the simulation the students shared their thoughts about how participating in the simulation was both an interesting and valuable experience. According to them, the simulation not only gave them an opportunity to test their negotiation, teamwork and communication skills, but also familiarized them with the subject of beekeeping and pesticides.
The SimGames project will result in the development of study methods that allow students to acquire skills and experiences for their career advancement through activities that are based around real-world problems in blended learning environment, and through meaningful application of digital tools.
The European Union Erasmus+ programme KA2 (Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices) Strategic partnership for higher education project “Simulation Games in Strategic Communication” takes place from December 1, 2018 to August 31, 2021.
