About the Historical Online Learning Foundation

The Foundation currently offers a variety of simulations on a annual basis.  The Foundation is staffed by volunteers who administrate, design, and develop the programs offered free of charge.  The Foundation is always in need of qualified volunteers in the areas of computer programming, web-design, historical research, and adult education. Anyone interested in volunteering their services are asked to submit a resume to Foundation Board of Directors.

Origins

The Historical Online Learning Foundation (HOLF) was incorporated in the State of Delaware as a non-profit organization in 2001 after 5 years (since 1996)of sponsoring historical simulations on the World Wide Web as a hobby group. HOLF was an early experiment in the application of the MMORPG, massive multiplayer online role playing game, genre. Players of HOLF events quickly found more enjoyment in the analysis and remedy of historical-based military situations than the assumption of role-play. Since 2001, the online simulations offered by HOLF emphasize the mastery of complex military and related economic situations rather than providing a vehicle for emulating a historic personage.

Mission Statement and Methodology

Historical Learning Online Foundation seeks to encourage the study of American and world history through participation in interactive simulations presented via the World Wide Web. HOLF offers a variety of historical-based, interactive, Web-centric products throughout the year. These products are designed to foster an interest and study in the historical and cultural background of the United States and the regions of the world that contributed to its current society. The Historical Online Learning Foundation offers a series of interactive simulations that feature analysis of major events of the late 18th century and the 19th century. Additionally, self-paced tutorials and Web Pages will be used to reinforce aspects of the simulation being presented. Participation in these Web-based events will be coordinated by the Foundation and, using adult education theory, members will be oriented to products that meet their interests or needs.

Corporate Structure

Historical Online Learning Foundation is controlled by an appointed Board of Directors who direct the administration of the Foundation and its three functionally organized divisions.  These three divisions, the Distance-Simulations Group, the Studies Group, and the Players Guild, are designed to concentrate the efforts of the Foundation in those core areas required by its charter and to provide an information conduit for the users of HOLF products.

Distance-Simulations Group

The Distance-Simulations Group administers the all simulation products offered in the HOLF catalogue. The Distance-Simulations Group administrates these products as directed by the Board of Directors through a central committee of technical staff and senior level members of the Players Guild. This administrative body, an ad hoc group, varies in size and composition depending on what project it is coordinating. The various versions of this group reports to Board and selected representatives of the Players Guild for the conduct of the event it is conducting.

Studies Group

The Studies Group serves two purposes:
1 - Research for development of future products, and;
2 - Preparation of proposals for grants to finance the Foundation.
The Board directs the Studies Group on the preparation and execution of its annual work schedule.

The Players Guild

Registration for any HOLF event gets that individual a listing in the Players Guild. This database is used to help tailor simulation participation to the individuals needs plus provide a list of possible subscribers for future events. The members of the Players Guild are represented by the Guild Commission whose members stay in year-round contact with the Foundation and provide recurring updates to the Guild membership on the Foundation's event calendar and product catalogue.

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