Potomac, Md. – May 22, 2008 – Outside the Wire, a Virtual Experience Immersive Learning Simulation (VEILS®) developed by WILL Interactive, Inc., received the award for ‘Best Workforce Training Solution’ in the 23rd Annual CODiE Awards Competition. The CODiE Awards, the premier honor in the software and information industry, recognize and showcase programs and achievements from the past year. Outside the Wire was selected as a winner from more than 1,100 nominations submitted by 600 companies.
“We are honored to have Outside the Wire recognized by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) as the ‘Best Workforce Training Solution’ of 2008,” WILL Interactive CEO and Co-Founder Sharon Sloane said. “It is always a privilege to partner with the United States Military and we are very gratified to be recognized for this work.”
“The 2008 CODiE Awards recognize those companies providing the best new technology products and services across a broad array of industries,” SIIA President Ken Wasch said. “The awards and their winners are a testament to the power of technology to deliver innovative solutions to American businesses and consumers. SIIA congratulates all of the CODiE Award winners and nominees, whose innovation is essential for continuing America’s leadership in the global knowledge economy.”
WILL Interactive uses a patented form of digital game-based learning technology called Virtual Experience Immersive Learning Simulations (VEILS®). This proprietary system of learning combines education and entertainment through a unique and captivating blend of technology, art, science, psychology, learning theory and game theory.
Created using lessons learned by soldiers returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Outside the Wire gives Army officers a chance to “play it out before they live it out”, thereby improving leadership skills and performance. The fate of the player and his/her troops hinges on every decision made while using the simulation. Outside the Wire is in use with thousands of officers annually and is currently being integrated into the curriculum of The US Military Academy at West Point.
“It is an outstanding tool to help junior officers practice making difficult decisions that often have life and death consequences,” said Gayle Olszyk, deputy to the commander for training at the U.S. Army Ordnance Center and Schools.
WILL Interactive has worked with the United States Military since 1998, and in that time has developed over 15 military simulations. These include Gator Six, a Battery Command simulation for the U.S. Army Field Artillery School, based on actual events in Iraq, and Saving Sergeant Pabletti, which addresses sexual harassment, ethics, and cross cultural communication. Last year, WILL Interactive produced a library of six military VEILS® known as “The Class of 2007”.
WILL Interactive has been named a CODiE Award Finalist five times in the past four years. In 2006 their program Hate Comes Home, created in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League to help teens make good decisions about racism, bias and school violence, won for ‘Best Instructional Solution’.
–
About SIIA
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 800 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit www.siia.net.
The CODiE Awards, established in 1986, celebrate outstanding achievement and vision in the software, digital information and education technology industries. Winners were chosen by a unique combination of journalist and peer review, with over 250 judges from the trade press, consulting, educators, IT specialists and other knowledgeable yet neutral experts.
For a complete list of this year’s winners, visit: http://siia.net/codies/2008/winners.asp.