1. What is a MOO?
2. How to prepare for a MOO visit? What tools do I need?
3. Where are we going for the field trip?    TAPPED IN and SchMOOze U.
4. What are some frequently used MOO commands?
5. What are some class activity ideas?
6. What are some tips for facilitating discussions on a MOO?
7. Are there graphical MOOs?
8. Where should I go for resources for MOO research?
9. What are some other language or education MOOs?

This link takes you back to our class home page.

 
 
 
 
 
 

1. What is a MOO?

MOO stands for MUD-Object-Oriented (MUD stands for Multi-User Dungeon/Domain...) These are text-based virtual environments where people interact synchronously and immediately, not like e-mail or SSF, where you have to wait for people to respond.  A MOO is a synchronous communication tool. That is why we need to set up a time to meet together for this trip.  You will understand it better once you have visited one MOO. For now please just think of it as an imaginary place that somebody describes the environment, their emotions, and their actions to you constantly in written language. SchMOOze U. takes the metaphor of a university, while TAPPED IN a teacher conference hall. You will "see" buildings, classrooms, offices, library, fountains, or even soda pop machines -- just as you would see these things in a real campus or conference hall.  You can apply for your own office and decorate it any way you like. You will meet many people from all over the world who access the MOO at the same time as you do.

2. Tools you need

PC users and most Mac users can get in most newer MOOs (the two we are going, for example) using just a Web browser.  Users of older Macs and some other PC users might have problems using the link, so you will need to set up a "client" software.   Here is what you need to do to set up your MOO client.

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3. We will visit and participate in two MOOs

SchMOOze U. and  TAPPED IN.

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SchMOOze Univ. -a virtual campus designed for English learners

* Please use the most recent information provided by your instructor.

• SchMOOze U. Web site is at http://schmooze.hunter.cuny.edu:8888/

• Here is the SchMOOze U campus map. Print this out for reference when you are walking around SchMOOze U.

• PC users can get in using just a Web browser -- Go to the SchMOOze web page, and then choose the link, "Visit schMOOze! (Java-enabled browsers only)."  If you have problem, see Tools you need above.

You can get in as a guest (Type: connect guest) or as a "character" with your unique identification and password. To require a character with SchMOOze U. , fill out this form a few days before your visit: http://schmooze.hunter.cuny.edu:8000/cgi-bin/playerrequest.  You will get an e-mail response from them. Then, when you get in type: connect USERNAME PASSWORD.

Here is a handout for small team TREASURE HUNT.

TAPPED IN - a virtual conference hall for teachers like you

• TAPPED IN web site is at http://www.tappedin.sri.com/

• First, you need to request a membership with TAPPED IN at this page: http://www.tappedin.org/info/membership.html It's free and it gives you the right to build your own office and use the facility that comes with the room.

• Once you get your username and password on e-mail, you can use member enter link on their web page. (See above for Tools you need if you have problem using the link) .  Look around in the web page. Much interesting information is there, including monthly After-School discussion topics and schedule.

• Look for receptionists for help. (They are very helpful!)

• The map, commands, and other information are included in a self-guided web tour here: http://www.tappedin.org/info/webtour.html

• If you go by yourself, here are a list of things you can do: http://www.tappedin.org/info/things_to_try.html

4a. SchMOOze U. MOO commands

Remember, unlike Tapped In, which is designed and developed by real experts, SchMOOze U. is developed by ESL/EFL teachers and students, and most of them are amateurs. It can be difficult to figure out how things work sometimes. There are many inconsistencies and unpredictable problems. If you are by yourself in SchMOOze U., be sure to ask people around before you get too frustrated. If you type @who, you will see a list of names. (These are people who are at the campus right now). Page your questions to those whose names have a plus sign (+). They are usually language teachers like you and me, but they know a lot about their designs. It's great to discuss your teaching ideas with them too!

 1. Log in
 2. Interact with the environment
 3. Move around
 4. Talk to people
 5. Show your emotion
 6. Bye, bye.

4b.  Tapped In MOO commands

    When you enter Tapped In, a large window will open up that is colored on the top, and black and white on the bottom.  You'll use the black and white window to talk and the colored window to get your bearings.

   In the latest version of Tapped In, you'll see a set of boxes on the left side of the black and white window.  The top one is by default marked "SAY".  If you click on this box and hold down your mouse button, you'll see another option, "TYPE COMMAND".
    Hint:  It's often easier to just keep the box on "Type Command" for the duration of your stay in Tapped In.

    Be sure to click on the "calendar" area of the Tapped In website before you leave to find out when other teachers of your subject get together to talk!

Here are some of the basic commands in Tapped In:

1.  Log in
2.  Interact with the environment
3.  See the text more clearly
4.  Talk to people
5.  Show your emotions
6.  Log out, go home