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Brandeis IBS Gets Serious About Games

IBM is working with Brandeis International Business School (IBS) to test "serious games," video games designed  to help students build combined business and IT skills often required in today's work environments.

The video and computer games are gaining traction in the enterprise and educational arenas as a means to teach new skills to a generation of young adults raised on video games. According to marketing consultancy The Apply Group, between 100 and 135 of the Global Fortune 500 will use gaming for instructional applications by 2012.

Brandeis will pilot a new serious game from IBM called Innov8, which is geared to teach young MBA and IT students and professionals how to compete in business, bridge gaps between business and IT teams. The interactive, 3-D game has the look and feel of a video game, but corresponds with non game events such as business operations.

The school will test Innov8 in its "Technology Strategy" course, which covers strategies for creating technology-based businesses. Students will use Innov8 to understand business processes in technology firms and how to manage knowledge across complex, global companies.

"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," said Bruce Magid, dean of Brandeis IBS, in a prepared statement.

In related news, Brandeis International Business School said it has joined IBM's Academic Initiative, a program designed to give accredited learning institutions access to educational technology benefits, such as training, hardware and software and discounts, while promoting open standards and open source.

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About the Author

David Kopf is a freelance technology writer and marketing consultant, and can be reached at [email protected].

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