April 2003
mariejas@bigpond.com

Take the top off a Russian Doll and there’s another doll inside. Take the top off that doll and there is yet another doll. And so it goes on. Each doll while unique and can stand alone, is also part of a larger collection that keeps growing. While each new doll is larger and builds over what has gone before, it also embraces and includes the previous dolls as part of its being.

For me, the Mastryoshka - the Russian nesting doll - represents the essence of my experience with web-based roleplay and indeed of e-learning. It’s been a gradual learning and building process that still continues.

The five dolls above represent a different stage in my development as a ‘designer as learner”.

Click on each doll to discover who influenced me and what I learnt about the complexities of web-based roleplay!

Summary
For those who like it straight, here is a summary of each stage:

1. Recognising the potential of reusable learning designs which shift the focus from content to the process of learning.
2. The appeal of interactive and collaborative learning
3. Grounding in games design and facilitation gave another perspective on the potential for collaborative learning.
   
   

Jasinski, M and Thiagarajan, S. Email Games

Depolariser Email Roleplay Game

Galactic Wormhole Email Roleplay Game

1. Experience a roleplay before you design one
2. Design with a team
3. Moderation is a challenge with many levels of complexity
4. Debriefing the simulation is absolutely critical.
   
   

Jasinski, M. Fabulous Illusions: The Complexity and Creativity of Web-based roleplay

Jasinski, M.
Improvisation through open platform design

Ip, A, Linser, R and Jasinski, M.
The Zen of being an effective “Mod” in online roleplay simulations.