designers
as learners:
igniting the spark for web-based roleplay
Our challenge
Your options
in collaboration with:
Key question:
How does the experience of being an online learner influence you as a designer and/or facilitator of online learning?
For several years a talented group of colleagues within the vocational and education (VET) sector in Australia have been exploring many dimensions of web-based role-play. I have invited six of them to join me to share our experiences with you.
Our professional expertise is diverse. We work in the areas of Custom-made Footwear, Child Studies, English as a Second Language, Business and Communications, E-Learning Coordination, Instructional Design, Professional Development and Teacher Training. Some of us work together, but most of us have never met.
In keeping with the theme of the conference, we aim to describe and share our experiences, views, imaginations and visions as online learners and how this experience has influenced us as designers and facilitators.
Collectively we have explored many different types of web-based role-play and although we are at different stages in this process, what draws us together is a desire to design and facilitate engaging, interactive and meaningful e-learning. This common spark has also ignited different interests and passions that have lead us to take different paths. Our strength is our diversity. The more we learn, the more we discover we are beginners. We are indeed designers as learners!
In face-to-face learning environments, role-plays are well established strategies for developing knowledge, understandings and skills that require human interaction. These interactive and collaborative strategies often underpin teaching methodology for the “soft skills” - team building, problem solving, assertiveness training and interpersonal skills development.
- How do you transfer role-play methodology online?
- What is the best approach to use and what options are there?
- What demands does role-play place on designers, facilitators and learners?
- What other stakeholders need to be involved and what roles do they play?
- Is web-based role-play an appropriate and sustainable methodology for the vocational education and training sector?
By putting ourselves in the role of learners, some of these questions have been answered, but the more we explore the more questions we ask.
Although we have experienced triumphs, we have also experienced challenges, frustrations, holdups and setbacks. Some of us are using role-play, but many of us are not.
Discover why!
This is a self-organising, non-linear opportunity to explore this maze of learning. As you criss-cross our learning landscape, we hope you find something that compels you to come and engage with us!
1. Consider the diversity of our perspectives
Each of us has a different perspective to offer and a particular theme to explore. Choose what appeals to you. Simply click on the key word.
- Marie Jasinski –the complexity of web-based role-play
- Simon O’Mallon – the role of intuition in role-play
- Kate Fannon – the unpredictability of role-play
- Jess Chalmers – the communication factor in role-play
- Louise Housden – personality speaking! Who emerges in a role-play?
- Mary Aquino – the emotional journey of a new role-player
- Margaret Spears – comparing face-to-face and web-based role-play.
2. Read some articles we have published
Fabulous Illusions: getting started with web-based role-play – Marie JasinskiThe Zen of being an effective “Mod” in online role-play simulations – Albert Ip, Roni Linser, Marie Jasinski
Needle Stick: A role-play simulation. Transformative learning in complex dynamic social systems - Kate Fannon
3. Explore some role-plays we have designed and moderated
Choose a role-play, follow the log in instructions and observe how it works. These are beginning efforts. We want you to see what worked and what didn’t. For demonstration purposes only.Christmas Party from Hell
Marie Jasinski and Roni Linser’s role-play on the issues of sexual harassment in the workplace.Fashion House
Simon O’Mallon’s role-play on developing workplace communication skills within a Fashion Industry context.Needle Stick
Kate Fannon’s role-play dealing with issues surrounding the operation of a Needle Exchange Program in close proximity to a school in a provincial Australian city.Baudin
Mary Aquino’s role-play in French for students studying French.Email role-play games
These are overviews of Galactic Wormhole and Depolarizer by Sivasailam Thiagarajan and Marie Jasinski. Also view how easily the Galactic Wormhole template was be adapted by Margaret Spears to explore the issue of valuing diversity in the workplace.4. Interact with us
We will all be available in the discussion forums and chat sessions to engage with you in critical conversations. Check the timetable.What we share with you is what we know today.
What we know tomorrow may be different.Marie Jasinski,
Adelaide, South Australia
April 2003
igniting the spark for web-based roleplay | 2003