Engineers design computer simulator that can help prepare teachers for ‘real-life’ shooter scenarios

A computer-based simulator that can train teachers on how to save lives when an armed attacker bursts through a school door has been developed in the US.

Engineers working for the US Army and Homeland Security Department created the simulator using cutting-edge gaming technology which could help train teachers on how to respond during an active shooter scenario.

Known as the Enhanced Dynamic Geo-Social Environment, or EDGE for short, the virtual simulator is similar to those used by the army to train soldiers for combat.

Tamara Griffith, a chief engineer for the project, told the Associated Press: “With teachers, they did not self-select into a role where they expect to have bullets flying near them. Unfortunately, it’s becoming a reality.

“We want to teach teachers how to respond as first responders.”

According to Homeland Security officials, the schools version should be ready for launch by spring.

In EDGE, each character has numerous options, including someone playing the bad guy, according to project manager Bob Walker.

For example, each teacher has seven options on how to keep students safe, and some of the students might not respond or be too afraid to react.

Walker added: “Once you hear the children, the screaming, it makes it very, very real.”

They also talked to the mother of a child killed in the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, who walked them through everything that happened that tragic day.

Griffith said: “It gives you chills when you think about what’s happening on those tapes.

“It tore us apart to listen to her and what she went through.”

Amanda Klinger, director of operations for the non-profit Educators School Safety Network, said: “I hope that people will sort of see this simulation as a really cool and engaging way to think about school safety.”