Something that stands out for me related to technology is way back in 1995-1999 when I was an undergrad at the University of Windsor. They had a Computer Science Lab with a bunch of DOS-based desktop computers that you could book times on. I probably used them for course-related stuff but I don’t remember that LOL, what I do remember was the Computer Science or IT Society hosted something called a MOO that I absolutely loved. I have always loved creative writing (typing over penning stories) and games and this MOO was a huge text-based sandbox game that you wrote yourself into! I developed my first understanding of coding and basic computer logic and algorithms through the process of creating characters to play, writing extremely detailed descriptions for “rooms” and their contents, and mastering commands to speak to, wave at, and otherwise interact creatively with the other students who logged on to play, both at home and from the Computer Lab. Less a social pursuit than a nonthreatening activity for the introvert in me, I nevertheless met a few friends on the MOO that I’m still loosely connected with over FB. It was a great way to wile away the hours when I most certainly supposed to be doing something else more productive or studious! 🙂 I wonder whatever happened to that MOO, if it’s still around or obsolete now…
Hi Jan,
great example of how open, constructive learning environments and gamification can really activate students! Without pressure and in a “nonthreatening” atmosphere, as you write, creativity and intrinsic motivation can flourish…
Elske
Wow Jan, I have never heard of something like this. I suppose in a way the concept has been replaced by a similar acronym: MMO. I mean, why write yourself into a game when you, yourself, can be in the game?
I don’t necessarily agree with my previous statement but… devil’s advocate and so on…
I’d love to know if something like this still exists. It’s a really fascinating concept and I’m kind of surprised this is the first time I’ve encountered it. Thanks for opening my mind today!!
-Scott
I think MOOs are going the way of the dinosaur, sadly. When I was poking about for any signs of the one I remembered, I came across http://www.moolist.com/ but it doesn’t look like m(any) of those are active anymore.
Escape “rooms”
Over the Christmas break, I went with my family to an escape room (https://www.serialevents.com/). I did not know what to expect. We each brought our own strengths and we could not have completed the tasks without the help of each other. Do any of you use this type of activity in your current classroom?
Christopher
I have heard of Escape Rooms as an activity for social groups. I think there’s a room in my city actually but I’ve not been. I can’t imagine how I would create, let alone facilitate, such an activity in classes of 20-30 elementary students. A simulation of some sort? Logistically, I wouldn’t know where to begin let alone create groups with varying skill sets other than being able to pinpoint academic ranges and placing lower level students with higher achievers (but this doesn’t necessarily mean the skills brought to such a task would be complimentary and balanced). Can you give me an example of what you were envisioning when you asked this question?
The closest thing I can imagine is if I were able to use Minecraft in my school and I placed students in an exploratory world where they had to discover the mystery of what went wrong or how to escape etc…