Subject: [IFETS-DISCUSSION:1226] Re: Role-play
From: Albert Ip (albert@DLS.au.com)
Date: Thu 22 Feb 2001 - 08:39:24 MET
From: "Albert Ip" <albert@DLS.au.com> Subject: [IFETS-DISCUSSION:1226] Re: Role-play Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 18:39:24 +1100
Hi,
When we are using role play simulation as a learning device, the first thing
we have in mind is the planned learning outcomes that we like to achieve. We
know that experience is important and role play provides a "safe"
environment for that. Equally important is that we need a way to consolidate
the experience. The reflective part is for another discussion. :-)
The circumstances of going through an experience, the characteristics of the
learners and a multitude of "external" factors will influence our choice of
pedagogy. Of course, I am pro online delivery. However I am caution that a
blind adaptation of online technology is not constructive towards better
learning outcomes. I see online role play simulation as a possibility with
great potential when designed appropriately for the right learners for the
right content area. Hence, I was trying to invite this group to share the
experience.
In the pre-discussion paper, I have a diagram which has "roles" at the
center. "Roles" is supported by constructs such as "tasks", "information",
"communication devices" including sim-mail, sim-conference & private chat
room and "rights". Combined together, these constructs provide us with the
tool to create scenario, social structure among the roles, scaffolding and
interactions.
Creating and delivering online role play with these tools/construct is not
trivial technically. Makeshift use of general purpose email or conference
system is a good starting point. What I am trying to do here, in this
discussion, is to ask this group to collaboratively construct the "ideal
feature" lists to enhance this diagram. As far as possible, I am happy to
include these features in the future releases of my software. However, it is
on record here that I believe there are other software implementations and
if these developers are reading, they can benefit from this discussion as
well. At the end, it is the learners who will benefit because more online
role play simulations can be created - with features that have been
identified as important and useful by educators who care.
The constructs I listed in the diagram (and summarised above) are tools that
we can use to create educationally meaningful online role play experience.
Online role play is not one of those technologies that may potentially
"replace" educators. Interestingly, online role play simulation demands
moderators to support the learners and the demand is not light. Perhaps this
group may share the experience in running role play simulation and identify
features that can help make such moderating job easier.
cheers,
Albert
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