Playing Games with Conflict: The Ha Long Bay e-Sim 171 Playing Games with Conflict: The Ha Long Bay e-Sim Kate Lloyd Department of Human Geography Macquarie University, Australia klloyd@els.mq.edu.au Abstract: This paper describes the development and evaluation of the Ha Long Bay e-sim, a structured role-playing web-based simulation exercise (e-sim) designed to develop learners’ understanding of multiple perspectives of issues related to development and conflict over the use of resources within the world heritage site of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. This paper focuses on the goals of the project, the design and features of the Ha Long Bay e-sim. A significant objective of the project was to provide a new way of giving both external and internal geography students experiential skills in dealing with cultural difference, and gain experience of working in an international context. The e-sim aimed to facilitate a learning experience that would not otherwise be convenient or possible in a traditional university context. This paper will discuss the extent to which these objectives were met though an analysis of student perceptions of learning outcomes. Introduction The Ha Long Bay e-sim is a structured role-playing web-based simulation exercise (e-sim) which forms the major assignment for students enrolled in the course GEOS311 Geography of the Asia Pacific Region. Building on the learning framework of the Mekong e-Sim (McLaughlan et al., 2001) the Ha Long Bay e-sim is designed to develop learners’ understanding of multiple perspectives of issues related to development and conflict over the use of resources within the world heritage site of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. This paper discusses the development and evaluation of the Ha Long Bay e- sim, by focusing on the goals of the project, the design and main features. A significant objective of the Ha Long Bay e-sim project was to provide a new way of giving both external and internal geography students experiential skills in dealing with cultural difference, and gain experience of working in an international context. The e-sim aimed to facilitate a learning experience that would not otherwise be convenient or possible in a traditional university context. This paper will discuss the extent to which these objectives were met though an analysis of student perceptions of learning outcomes. It concludes by reflecting on the experience of the facilitator in developing and running the project. Teaching Context The Ha Long Bay e-sim is an electronically supported role play/simulation which forms the major assignment for students enrolled in the course GEOS311 Geography of the Asia Pacific Region. This third year 4 credit point course deals with processes and consequences of development in the Asia Pacific region, an area presented as a highly differentiated entity undergoing rapid social, spatial and political transformation. One of the key aims of the course is to develop learners’ understanding of multiple perspectives of issues related to development and change within the Asia-Pacific region. The e-sim focuses on one specific international problem related to the conflict over resources in the world heritage site of Ha Long Bay, in northeast Vietnam. Students are expected to allocate at least 12 hours per week for this activity and the assessment comprises thirty five percent of the assessment. The course involved 46 students drawn from a range of disciplines including human geography, education, law, resource and environmental management and business. A substantial number of these students were enrolled externally and were geographically distributed throughout Australia.