In this online team simulation, you’ll face a series of decision-making and problem-solving challenges as you and your team attempt to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.
You’ll hike in teams of 5, with each member assigned a unique role and individual goals. While each role has its own priorities, your team shares a common objective: reach the summit safely and avoid rescue.
The simulation spans 6 virtual days (one round per day) and must be completed in 120 minutes or less. You also have one buffer round, to get acquainted to the simulation.
Each team member will receive specific information and resources that others may not have. Some details are shared across the team, while others are only visible to you. Sharing what you know is critical to your team’s success.
This simulation is designed to help you build skills in:
- Team-based decision making
- Sharing critical information
- Balancing individual and team goals
To succeed, communicate openly, listen actively, and collaborate effectively. Your choices each day will impact your team’s progress—so make them count!
Special Roles: Mirror & Team Observer
Although the simulation is designed for teams of five unique roles, sometimes the number of students in a class doesn’t divide evenly by five. In such cases, you might be assigned a Mirror Role or a Team Observer Role.
Mirror Role
If you're assigned a Mirror Role, you’ll be paired with someone in a main role (for example, a Mirror-Physician is paired with the Physician).
- You’ll see exactly the same information as the main role.
- However, you won’t be able to make or submit decisions on the Make Decisions screen.
- Ideally, you and the main role player should work together to discuss and agree on choices. The main role player will then enter those decisions in the simulation.
Team Observer Role
If you’re a Team Observer, your job is to watch and analyze how your team works together.
- Pay close attention to how decisions are made, how the team communicates, and how the leader guides the group.
- You may be asked to share your observations during the debrief at the end of the simulation, so stay engaged and take notes!
Login to the Simulation
- Each learner needs to individually login to the simulation. URL: https://forio.com/app/harvard/everest
- Prior to playing the simulation, please run a system check here - https://forio.com/hbp-support/#check/simulations/everest_v3
- Access the simulation using Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge, and make sure to open it in only one browser tab for the best experience.
How to Play the Simulation
- You’ll participate as part of a team, but each player must log into the simulation using their own browser window.
- Once you log in, you’ll land on the Welcome page. You’ll first see an introduction to the simulation, along with a video featuring mountaineer James Clarke, where he shares insights on the challenges of climbing Everest. Below that, you can view your team name and team members, along with their online/offline status.
- All team members must be online and either on a call together or collaborating in person to ensure effective teamwork.
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Before starting the simulation, all team members should watch the tutorial to understand the key features and step-by-step instructions for playing successfully. Reviewing the tutorial carefully is essential for a smooth and successful simulation experience.
The tutorial will guide you through the following:
- Your team setup and assigned role information
- The climb overview and Everest map
- How to navigate each day of the simulation
- How to make decisions as a team
- Key screens such as the Health, Weather, Hiking Speed, and Supplies screens
- How to use the chat feature for team communication
- Any final notes to help you prepare before the climb
- To progress through the tutorial, simply click “Next”
- Once you and your teammates have finished viewing the tutorial, you can proceed to your assigned roles.
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The dashboard remains visible at all times on the left side of the screen and provides access to the following screens:
- Role Info
- Everest Map
- Day Info
- Make Decisions
- Health
- Weather
- Hiking Speed
- Supplies
All of these screens can also be accessed via the navigation bar on the right. This is also where you can revisit the tutorial and access the chat feature.
- The chat feature works like a walkie-talkie and lets you chat with your whole team or send private messages to individual team members in real time.
- The Make Decisions screen is where you make important choices during the simulation. You :
- Choose your camp for the next day: You can move up to a higher camp, go back to a lower one, or stay where you are.
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Make role-specific decisions:
- If you're the Physician, you can give medical help to your teammates.
- If you're the Marathoner, you’ll predict the weather.
- Special decisions on Days 4 and 5: Your team will make extra choices, like how much rope is needed, how many oxygen tanks to bring, or what time to start climbing.
- You can also view who has submitted their decision and who has not.
- If your team has more than five people in Mirror Mode, some roles will be shared by two players. In each shared role, one person will be the editor—this person is the only one who can submit decisions for the team.
- Everyone in that role can see the choices being made in real time, but only the editor can make changes or click "Submit."
- You can see who the editor is on the Make Decisions page.
- If someone else wants to take over as editor, they’ll see a warning message and must confirm the switch.
- Once the editor changes, the previous editor will get a message at the top of their screen.
Tips for Success
To make the most of your Everest simulation experience, keep these tips in mind:
1. Before You Begin
- Coordinate with your team – All five members must be logged in and available at the same time.
- Join a group call or meet in person – Real-time communication is key to effective collaboration.
- Use only one browser tab – Access the simulation using Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge.
- Watch the tutorial – It will guide you through the interface, key features, and decision-making process.
2. During the Simulation
- Understand your role – Know your responsibilities and how your choices impact the team.
- Use the first two rounds wisely – Familiarize yourself with the interface and establish communication with your team.
- Review Round Information carefully – Always check the day's details before making decisions.
- Keep track of decisions – Taking notes or using a whiteboard can help organize information and strategy.
- Double-check before submitting – Small errors can significantly impact the team's performance.
3. Team Play and Decision-Making
- Submit decisions each round – You may revise your choices until the team leader advances the simulation. Only the Leader can advance the simulation once everyone has submitted their decisions.
- If you do not submit in time – You will automatically move to the next camp.
- Use the chat feature – Communicate regularly with your teammates to align on decisions.
- Leverage the dashboard – Use the left-hand menu to navigate to essential information at any time.
4. Special Roles
- Mirror Role – Coordinate with the main role player. Only one person (the editor) can submit decisions.
- Observer Role – Observe team dynamics closely. You may be asked to share your insights during the debrief.
5. In Case of Rescue
- Remain engaged – If you are rescued, you can still contribute by advising and supporting your team.
Reminder: Clear communication, thoughtful planning, and active collaboration are essential for a successful climb.