Brandeis International Business School Partners With IBM, Tests "Serious Game" In The Classroom

Waltham, MA - Brandeis International Business School (IBS) recently announced that it has partnered with IBM to help students develop a combination of business and information technology (IT) skills required in today's global job market. As part of the new relationship, IBM is working with Brandeis professors to begin testing the use of a new category of video games – called "serious games" – in the classroom.

Serious games are computer and video games used as educational and training tools. Just as airline pilots initially learn using flight simulators, many corporations and universities see serious games as an effective way of teaching new skills to a generation that has been brought up in the video game era. In fact, according to The Apply Group, by 2012, between 100 and 135 of the Global Fortune 500 will have adopted gaming for learning, with the U.S., United Kingdom and Germany leading the way.

IBM introduced a new serious game entitled "Innov8" which is designed to help university students and young professionals develop a combination of business and IT skills. Selected for its global focus, Brandeis International Business School is one of the first business schools in the world to pilot the game in the classroom.

"The establishment of this relationship with IBM illustrates how IBS is delivering an educational experience that is intellectually rigorous and provides the tools necessary to achieve success in the global marketplace," said Bruce R. Magid, Dean, Brandeis International Business School. "Developing a blend of IT and business skills is critical for our students as they assume leadership roles at companies and institutions around the world."

IBM has created Innov8 as a new way to teach MBAs and young IT professionals – many of whom have grown up playing video games – about competing successfully in business. Innov8 is an interactive, 3-D educational game designed to bridge the gap in understanding between IT teams and business leaders in an organization. This type of serious gaming – simulations which have the look and feel of a game but correspond to non-game events or processes such as business operations – has emerged as a successful method to train employees or develop new skills.

IBS will be testing Innov8 in a course entitled "Technology Strategy" which explores strategies needed to develop businesses based on new technologies. Innov8 will be utilized to help students understand business processes in technology firms and learn how to manage knowledge across complex global companies.

"IBM views serious gaming as a new and exciting way to develop the skills that are required as business and IT become more closely aligned," said Sandy Carter, vice president, IBM SOA and WebSphere strategy, channels and marketing. "Innov8 was designed to address this specific skills shortage while also helping business schools like IBS realize the benefits of using serious games as a powerful tool for teaching today's students."

Also announced that, Brandeis International Business School has joined IBM's Academic Initiative, a program offering a wide range of technology education benefits to meet the goals of colleges and universities.

SOURCE: Brandeis International Business School