iconomix.ch
iconomix is mainly aimed at teachers of upper secondary schools in Switzerland. Nevertheless, it is also open to anyone interested in basic economic principles and concepts. Much of the material as well as the modules can be easily tried out and studied without instruction.
Students interested in iconomix should ask their teachers if they know iconomix and if there might be a possibility to actively use it in class, which is not only the most fun method, but also the most beneficial.
The preparation time depends on the length of the period that the teacher wants to cover with the chosen iconomix material.
To use a worksheet from the à la carte section, for instance, only a few minutes of preparation time are needed. If an online module should span several lessons, however, more preparation is required.
iconomix is developed by a team of economists at the Swiss National Bank, with the cooperation of a number of experts, institutions and private companies from the field of education (more information under 
creditswww.iconomix.ch/en/about/credits/).
A multiple-stage process assures the quality of iconomix. Quality control includes the involvement of specialists with economic, didactic, technical and graphic design backgrounds. The content is reviewed by experts, and the use in class and technical functionality are tested in various trial runs.
As a rule, an online game must be launched and run immediately.
Basically, iconomix requires the same prior knowledge as teaching with conventional resources.
For the modules involving the use of a computer, general computer skills are all that is needed. The teaching material is sufficiently documented, and the computer-based elements can be easily operated.
For the iconomix range of training opportunities, please see the servicewww.iconomix.ch/en/service/overview/ section.
Yes, iconomix offers regular training events for teachers. For further information, please see the servicewww.iconomix.ch/en/service/overview/ section.
The online modules include detailed instructions on the use of computers and the internet in class. It is advisable to test the web application and to run through the exercises before students start working with the corresponding modules.
Teachers may wish to block the use of other applications (chat, e-mail, internet) during classes.
The iconomix training programme was created and produced by the Swiss National Bankwww.iconomix.ch/en/about/who-is-behind-iconomix/swiss-national-bank/ and can be used free of charge. It is free of advertising.
No, iconomix does not require any registration.
No, iconomix only exists as a website.
iconomix was developed by a teamwww.iconomix.ch/en/about/who-is-behind-iconomix/iconomix-team/ of SNB economists together with the support of a number of experts, institutions and private companies from the field of education. Detailed information can be found under creditswww.iconomix.ch/en/about/credits/.
iconomix is being continually developed and updated. More information can be found under aboutwww.iconomix.ch/en/about/what-is-iconomix/overview/.
iconomix features a contact formwww.iconomix.ch/en/service/contact/, personal supportwww.iconomix.ch/en/service/support/support-form/ and training facilities for teaching professionals (see servicewww.iconomix.ch/en/service/overview/).
Technical requirements (hardware and software) have been kept to an absolute minimum. In principle, all that is needed is a computer (Windows or Mac) with internet access on which a common internet browser is installed. (For the simulations and the online strategy games, a broadband connection is recommended.) Detailed requirements can be found under system requirementswww.iconomix.ch/en/service/support/technical-requirements/.
To be able to read PDF files, an appropriate program, such as Adobe Reader, is needed. For certain online applications, the computer additionally needs to be equipped with Adobe Flash Player (version 8 or higher).
The system checkwww.iconomix.ch/en/service/support/system-check/ tests if the computer settings and the installed software versions meet the requirements of iconomix.
The ‘Learning with iconomix’ PDF document (
German(270 KB)www.iconomix.ch/fileadmin/docs/didaktik/lernen_mit_iconomix-modulen.pdf and French(236 KB)www.iconomix.ch/fileadmin/docs/didaktik/apprendre_avec_iconomix.pdf only) presents the learning objectives and educational concept behind the iconomix modules.
In the servicewww.iconomix.ch/en/service/overview/ section, teachers find information on the integration of the iconomix teaching units into the curricula of Swiss upper secondary schools, sorted by type of school.
All documents available on iconomix can be downloaded and printed out.
The ‘Learning with iconomix’ PDF document (German(270 KB)www.iconomix.ch/fileadmin/docs/didaktik/lernen_mit_iconomix-modulen.pdf and French(236 KB)www.iconomix.ch/fileadmin/docs/didaktik/apprendre_avec_iconomix.pdf only) presents the learning objectives and educational concept behind the iconomix modules.
In addition, each iconomix module contains a (self-explanatory) commentary for teachers comprising instructions and further information.
For the iconomix range of training opportunities, please see the servicewww.iconomix.ch/en/service/overview/ section.
No. There are various possibilities for working offline with iconomix. Teaching staff can use the programme to download teaching material (e.g. transparencies, rules for games, worksheets), while other resources (card game, brochures, etc.) can be ordered.
Certain modules only require one single computer with internet access and a projector for presentation in class.
To obtain an idea of the subjects that lend themselves to study in conjunction with this programme, please see the expanded list in the module overviewwww.iconomix.ch/en/modules/.
The current range can be found in the module overviewwww.iconomix.ch/en/modules/ and in the list of à la carte resourceswww.iconomix.ch/en/alacarte/.
The keyword search immediately finds any material on a particular topic.
iconomix is updated on a regular basis.
Are there any suitable subjects for which no material exists as yet? Do you have any tips as to what could be added? If you have any suggestions, please use the contact formwww.iconomix.ch/en/service/contact/. Thank you very much.
No, iconomix does not provide comprehensive teaching material. It is modular and complementary to existing teaching aids and is only accessible via the internet.
