O’Neill, Kevin. "Real-Time Tragedies: A Simulated 'Commons Learning Laboratory'", 1992
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“Commons-type” computer simulations are increasingly popular tools for helping students grasp the underlying trap of individual versus collective rational action in situations of joint ownership and finite resources. Historically, these simulations have been designed on mainframe or mini computers with site limited capacity for either visual or auditory feedback. This paper presents a preliminary commons-type game designed for use with the emerging local extended-area MacIntosh based networks. This paper also tests whether providing diagrammatic and verbal descriptions of the inherent resource and behavioral feedbacks enables players to avoid the fundamental commons trap: Short-term individually rational actions which result in collectively irrational consequences.