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The Global Strategic Operations Centre (GSOC) was developed by academics with an interest in utilising technology within a simulation learning environment. GSOC creates a customisable user interface that allows users to interact and collaborate in order to minimise the impact of a variety of domestic and international crises.
The foundation company consists of two core teams:
Made up of mostly academics and business analysts this team works to research and produce the algorithms and underlying body of knowledge that supports the features and functions of GSOC.
This team is responsible for building, managing and improving the technology that makes GSOC possible.
Combined the teams ensure that the GSOC platform is as robust as possible ensuring a comprehensive scenario-based simulated learning environment.
Small, but an effective unit.
Policy Team Leader
Email: mdinnen@gsoc.com.au
Development Team Leader
Email: mcarter@gsoc.com.au
The aim of the GSOC platform is to utilise technology to enhance the learning experience in a simulated scenario environment.
Our flagship GSOC offering is the use of the GSOC platform in a Model United Nations simulation (MUNs). MUNs are a global initiative where delegates are able to participate in scenarios that simulate the actual procedures and processes that operate at the United Nations Headquarters in Turtle Bay, New York.
In a typical MUNs, delegates are requested to prepare their chosen countries position on a specific issue. The delegates will then utilise traditional diplomatic methods to collaborate with other delegates, and address or respond to the prepared scenario or theme. Traditional MUNs could be considered somewhat limited in their breadth, and previous delegates to traditional MUNs have commented on the significant intimidation factor of being a first time participant. Such limitations and challenges pose a significant problem of MUNs organisers.
GSOC has been specifically designed with these challenges in mind. Noticeably, when a MUNs scenario is prepared and engaged using the GSOC platform, a number of benefits are realised:
While delegates still prepare their countries position to a specific theme, the GSOC allows for the addition of real time crises that the delegate must address
To assist with this delegates are provided with up-to-date information pertaining to the status and severity of the crisis their country, as well as any other crisis that may be unfolding
The communications of important information from administrators/facilitators to all delegates, as well as delegate-to-delegate communication through the user interface allows individuals who may be intimidated by the formal interactions, to still actively participate
Delegates are able to submit resolutions that apply to either their own country, their region, or the entire world, to independent assessors for immediate evaluation.
Provides delegates with real time feedback and an appreciation of the impact of the submitted resolution on both their own country, and their region, should they choose to enact the resolution
Digitally enables and records delegates vote on all resolutions. This provides exceptional time and efficiency advantages.
Displays the immediate impact of passed resolutions on a state’s national power and the flow on affect globally through an easy to use graphical interface.
In addition, the GSOC platform user interface includes real time social media and chat capabilities. This adds to the already substantial list of actions that a delegate is able to instigate from his/her GSOC dashboard.
Ultimately, the GSOC platform enables delegates at a MUNs event to have significantly richer interaction and engagement experience with fellow delegates.
GSOC enhances the benefits of simulation based learning by removing its shortcomings.
The pedagogical value of experiential learning has been demonstrated time and time again for a variety of different subject matters. Students are more engaged and enhance their understanding when they have the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in 'reality'. Model United Nations Debating remains one of the only simulation-based activities that caters specifically for those studying International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, and History.
MUNs require participants to research specific global issues and policies in preparation. As the point of debate is creating a resolution to a conflict, students develop alternative research skills based on solutions-based thinking.
During debate participants gain an elevated understanding of the role relationships between nation-states play in international relations. It fosters critical thinking since students must extrapolate possible conflicts from their current knowledge of global politics. As participants are not voicing their own opinions, but rather the opinions of the nation-state they represent, they also learn to make reasoned arguments dispassionately.
However these skills are only developed in students that are fully involved in the MUN. For this to happen, participants must communicate through debating, negotiating, making speeches and writing resolutions. While these interpersonal skills are improved throughout the activity, participants need to have a base level of self confidence in their abilities.
The weaknesses of traditional MUNs are that they are not particularly welcoming environments to newcomers. First time participants are often intimidated by the seemingly confusing rules of parliamentary procedure, public speaking, negotiating with more experienced veterans and all the jargon. Moreover participants often experience fatigue when the simulations last longer than a few hours. These barriers prevent full engagement and the advancement of interpersonal and critical skills.
GSOC overcomes these disadvantages. The interface simplifies MUN procedure and guides participants through the simulation. With instantaneous visual representations of escalations delegates are less likely to become lost in the scenario. Participants also have the option to communicate with other delegates and submit resolutions through GSOC, reducing apprehension.
There is no doubt that Model United Nations is a good educational tool but GSOC makes it great.
GSOC evolved organically to compliment a Model United Nations “style” conference.
However, the robustness and adaptable nature of GSOC platform has opened up a number of new and exciting possible applications of this technology in a number of diverse forums and across multiple industries.
Scenarios and simulations can be customised to meet any situational requirements.
Examples of possible GSOC deployment include:
GSOC accommodates for Model UN Events all over the world. If you'd like further information on how to host an event in your local area, contact us.
For a current list of events, click the button below:
