Game Education Summit North America

Paper Abstract:

Strategic intelligence is considered by intelligence professionals to be the highest form of the analytic art.   There is a tremendous demand for this type of intelligence product and a lack of trained professionals capable of producing it.  Developing effective teaching methods for this challenging subject, therefore, is an area of ongoing concern for the business, law enforcement and national security intelligence communities.

Previous research suggests that a game-based approach to teaching can be successful but no report so far has examined game-based learning in intelligence analysis.  This researcher hypothesized that a game-based approach to teaching strategic intelligence analysis would increase learning while also increasing student satisfaction with the course.

This presentation reports the initial results and lessons learned from three experiments in teaching full courses (2 undergraduate and one graduate) in strategic intelligence using games as a primary teaching tool.  The presentation will outline the type of material covered and the games and methods used to teach it and will also examine both the learning outcomes and student satisfaction with the courses.  Finally, the presentation will discuss appropriate course modifications for undergraduate and graduate students when teaching advanced subjects with games based on the evidence from this study.