Theory

Multiple User Domain, Object-Oriented: A MOO is a text-based virtual environment, in which the participants can communicate with each other in real time, using their keyboard. This is more than just a chat-room, since you can do more than communicate and move to different rooms. You may also create objects such as your own room to meet your partner, or even autonomous creatures called bots.

Theoretical Basis Approaches to Autonomous Learning

1. Individual-cognitive approach (Kelly’s theory of personal constructs)
2. Social-interactive approach (Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development)
3. Experimental-participatory approach (Bruner, Bruckman)

Vygotsky (1978) suggests that speech progresses from external interaction to internal interaction. Bruner (1972) states that a record of thought or interraction can act as a cognitive amplifier, bootstrapping cognitive ability more successfully than speech alone. Bruckman (1997) creates the notion of constructionism: a cycle of internalization of what is outside, then externalization of what is inside.

Getting In

Entry into the CLCS Campus MOO is controlled by user ID and a password, which you should have already obtained from Dr. Klaus Schwienhorst

From your browser, go to the following address: http://kontakt.tcd.ie:8000/

Arriving at the logon page, enter your User ID and your password and hit the login button. You should now be in the FOYER of the CLCS Campus. Communicate by typing in the white text box at the bottom of the screen.

Activity

Your group will be given tasks to be completed within 25 minutes

Reflection

Since this activity is live, later reflection is aided by a complete log of you MOO session which is sent to an e-mail account set up for you