A Serious Game for training in the Incident Command System (ICS)

Designed by by Jay Allen & Geof Boyle

Instructional Goals

Raise the awareness of and develop an appreciation for personal preparedness in and educational and entertaining format

Develop genuine knowledge and skills of the National Response Framework (NRF), National Incident Management System (NIMS), and Incident Command System (ICS) with the goal of improving personal preparedness.

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Current Instructional Strategies ILT and Online “Death by PowerPoint” Booming Virtual World 3D Development

Learner Analysis “Joe and Jane Citizen” Millions of first responders

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Content Analysis FEMA courseware for Incident Command

System Level 100:▪ Introduction to the Incident Command System ICS and

provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the ICS. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Paramount is introduction of terminology, structure, and the use of standard forms

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Use of JGAME as platform Even though Flash-programming

seemed to be more engagingModeling after “Warcraft 2D”

Comparative analysis completed to draw parallels between existing game and current concept▪ “God-like” role to orchestrate overall game

action while also taking on some first-person responsibilities

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Location, Location, Location Setting?▪ Influence of Fallout 3 release – Washington, D.C.!▪ Decided on rural landscape to keep Computer

Science class from freaking out Complexity

Balance between reality and reasonableness▪ Keep storyline succinct and provide positive and

negative reinforcement to “guide” learner to success

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Timeline (End)

Storyline Instructional Objective (Gagne's 9 Events)

Learning Objective Enabling Objective Gameplay Action (6. Practice)

Gameplay Correction (5. Guidance & 7. Feedback)

Gameplay Correction (Positive)

0:00:00 GamestartIf no action taken within :30, prompt to "Do you want to STAND-DOWN?"

Gamepause

If no action taken within :60, return game to sleep modeRESPOND! Intro montage loop 1. Attention Excite player to enter

game.RESPOND! Objectives 2. Inform Introduce high-level

objective(s) of game and maintain Attention level.

RESPOND! Situation 3. Stimulate Present initial detail of expected gameplay with opportunity for player to explore to limited degree.

RESPOND! Spawn 4. Present Content Map displayed, sounds emerge.

Return to intro montage loop at 0:00:45 if no action taken.

Player will be active in ensuring self and others' safety

Demonstrate basic knowledge of ICS principles.

Establish Incident Command Post (ICP). (ICP will be identified as White/Blue diagonally hashed box with Green rotating/flashing light.)

Prompt at :10. ICP should be established at either: 1) FA Tower, FA Restaurant, Intersection of NS-H and airport access road.

If "yes," "Congratulations! You are on your way to properly managing this incident!"

Player will achieve tactical objectives

Assume role as Incident Commander (IC).

:10 following ICP establishment.

Deliver IC Checklist with "Good Job. As the most senior and experienced First Responder, your performing as Incident Commander is appropriate. Here's a checklist to help you perform your duties."

Ensure welfare and safety of incident personnel

Prompt to get status from Engine #1 and Foam #2.

All safe, but fire expanding.

Player will achieve an efficient use of resources

Assess incident situation.

Prompt to obtain West Co. FD resources.

West Co. FD resources respond, fire contained.

Group Management “Competing” CS Teams▪ Team Alpha▪ Team Bravo? – “Is anybody out there?” – Pink

Floyd

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Here we go!

FRAYR prototype

In-Game Positive and Negative reinforcement in the

form of text and game play feedback to player actions▪ Compliance with appropriate response will elicit

congratulatory remarks and appropriate game response (i.e., incident will control)

▪ Avoidance of appropriate responses will elicit additional “encouragement” to take proper action, but will also be accompanied by negative game response (e.g., incident will expand)

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Paused-Game

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Command Structure Screen – switch from main playing screen▪ As player utilizes elements of ICS command

structure, the appropriate areas on a command structure template screen are highlighted

▪ Repeated viewings of this structure as it relates to game play are intended to reinforce the ICS structure and terminology to the player

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Group Interaction Even more collaborative given various

communication styles Deeper understanding of CS-side of

house▪ ISD?▪ Game Theory?

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