Title: The pyramid of experiential learning international relations through NationStates game

Authors: Ronald M. Castillo; Paul Derick A. Olorga; Maria Francesca N. Lagran; Allen John H. Carpio

Addresses: Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts and Letters, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines ' Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts and Letters, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines ' Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts and Letters, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines ' Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts and Letters, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines

Abstract: NationStates is an online game that offers players a world to simulate international relations learning through the creation of their own countries and interacting with other players as international actors. This paper describes how the game mirrors the basic structure of international relations and global politics, and on how it can be used as an education technology during the COVID-19 new normal learning. Using qualitative case study design, researchers utilised virtual transect walk to note observations within the simulation and juxtaposed to interviews gathered from students who experienced the game. Thematic analysis framed both the levels of international relations analysis and Kolb's theory of experiential learning. Results show that that such a game allows learners to experience and understand national power and the conditions within one's state, dynamics of decision-making, participation in the political system and behaviour of the global political actors under the theories of international relations.

Keywords: experiential learning; international relations; NationStates; simulation games; COVID-19 new normal education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2023.128349

International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 2023 Vol.17 No.1/2, pp.58 - 75

Received: 15 Mar 2021
Accepted: 23 Jul 2021
Published online: 18 Jan 2023 *