| Historical Online Learning Foundation |
Charter
The Historical Online Learning Foundation (HOLF), incorporated in the state of Delaware on August 27, 2001, seeks to encourage the study of American and world history through participation in interactive simulations presented via the World Wide Web,
The HOLF product line is developed and administered by its divisions: the Distance-Simulations group, the Studies Group, and the Distance Learning Group. The participants and players of HOLF products are registered in the HOLF Players Guild.
Distance-Simulations Group
The Distance-Simulations Group (DSG) administers all simulation products offered in the HOLF catalogue. DSG administers these products as directed by the Board of Directors, HOLF, through a central committee of technical staff and senior level members of the Players Guild. The Board of Directors plans to use a combination of event managers, adjunct staff, and the Guild Commission to administer events, convey information, develop new products, and improve player services for the Guild.
Studies Group
The Studies Group serves a dual purpose for the Foundation: research for development of future products, and the preparation for grant & special projects that assist in financing the Foundation. The Board directs the Studies Group on the preparation and execution of its annual work schedule.
Distance Learning Group
The Distance Learning Group operates the online reference library, American Civil War background information, and all educational modules and/or exercises associated with HOLF products. Currently this group administers the HOLF War College, the HOLF Academy, and associated training exercises for player education of the Civil War OnLine game system This group works in conjunction with the Players Guild for player training and tutorials. This group also administrates any use of HOLF products by educational institutions.
Players Guild
The Players Guild is established to provide a central organization to maintain a listing of all players who participate in the various simulations and Web-based activities sponsored by the Historical Online Learning Foundation. Additionally, the Guild will record the participation history of each member and rate him or her according to experience, level of involvement, and numbers of years participating in HOLF events. This database is used to tailor simulation participation to each individual's needs plus provide a list of possible subscribers for future products. The Guild will provide all members with information about the pending Foundation activities and the pending schedule of Web-based simulations. There is no fee associated with Guild membership.
Players Guild Commissioners
The Players Guild Commissioners are established to provide advocates/ombudsmen for the members of the Guild. The Commissioners assist the HOLF Board of Directors in getting information distributed, relaying time-sensitive requirements, and providing feedback to the Game Administrators. Based on the distribution of Guild members there are five Commissioners - one for European players, one for southwest Pacific players, one for the CSA core group, one for the Union core group, and one "at-large" Commissioner for North America. These individuals are volunteers to the Foundation's Adjunct staff and may be modified or supplemented as time progresses.
HOLF Academy
The HOLF Academy provides the entry-level instruction and orientation for all players of CWOL. All new players are trained as SAS-infantry commanders even if they desire to play primarily in one of the other four modules. SAS is the "pacing module" of CWOL and all members of the Players Guild must know how the basics of the game are played to understand what are the main elements driving CWOL. The Commandant-General has a seven-lesson program that can be completed in a month or less. It consists of cognitive lessons, evaluated practical exercise, installation of the software, and a end-of-course force-on-force live exercise. Additionally, there is a post-graduation block of instruction on the structure of the ACW-era army plus the basics on campaign planning. On the Players Guild Main Page URL there is a link to the Academy synopsis.