designers as learners:
igniting the spark for web-based roleplay

In 1999, Marie Jasinski asked Professor Tom Reeves from the Dept of Instructional Technology, University of Georgia:

Can you effectively design for online learning if you are not an avid user of the online environment yourself?

Here was Tom’s reply:

I doubt it! There are few great writers who have not been voracious and critical readers. Designers must be users. They need to experience first hand as many types of interactive learning environments as possible.

We agree with Tom – what’s your view?

We may not have the answers, but we’re asking better questions - and here are some of them!

1. How important is it for online designers and facilitators to have first hand experience as online learners?
   
2. How can we be sure that we are designing from the perspective of learning and personality styles that differ from our own?
   
3. What level of emotional buy-in are we seeking to achieve through our learning design? And... having defined this, how do we achieve the desired effect?
   
4. How can web based role-plays enhance effective online communication skills?
   
5. What are the important online communication skills for an online facilitator?
   
6. What demands does role-play place on designers, facilitators and learners?
   
7. What other stakeholders need to be involved and what roles do they play?
   
8. Is web-based role-play an appropriate and sustainable methodology for the vocational education and training sector?