Students in McHenry County College’s Emergency Dispatch program can now graduate better prepared for the field thanks to a new AI-powered simulation technology that reflects the fast-paced realities of emergency communications work.
The College recently integrated GovWorx software into its Emergency Dispatch course and certificate program, making MCC the first Illinois college to offer the technology as part of its curriculum. The platform allows students to participate in realistic emergency dispatch simulations involving 911 calls, radio traffic, data entry, and multitasking emergency response situations.
“This technology creates a more immersive and realistic training environment for students,” said Mark Glowacki, Emergency Dispatcher instructor at MCC. “It helps build confidence and decision-making skills in a way that closely mirrors what they will face in real emergency dispatch centers.”
The platform allows instructors to customize emergency scenarios ranging from domestic violence incidents and police pursuits to structure fires, burglary alarms, and citizen complaints. Simulations can also include background distractions and evolving conditions that reflect the high-pressure nature of real dispatch environments.
Unlike traditional classroom roleplay exercises, the web-based software allows students to train from anywhere with internet access. Students can complete realistic dispatch scenarios outside of class while instructors review performance evaluations generated through both AI assessment tools and instructor feedback.
Prior to implementing the technology, instructors conducted simulations individually with students during class time. The new system allows every student to participate in dispatch scenarios simultaneously, increasing hands-on learning opportunities and better preparing students for real-world emergency communications work.
The software’s capabilities more closely align with modern dispatch center technology and workflows, helping students transition more effectively into the field. One local dispatch center recently also adopted the GovWorx platform, creating even more job-related experience for students entering the profession.
MCC’s Emergency Dispatch program introduces students to emergency communications systems and procedures, including 911 call-taking, law enforcement communication, fire and EMS dispatching, crisis intervention, liability and accountability, radio operations, and stress management.
For more information about the program, visit www.mchenry.edu/dispatchercertificate.
