WebBased Role Play

The mention of the word Role-play tends to bring chills or smiles to adult learners. Some of the learners may tend to grumble their emotions such as “Here we go again…” or “I am not good at playing.” On the other hand, other learners may jump up to the idea as they aware of their personal learning style. Let me do it in a safe environment.

Role-play is one of the common tools I tend to use when I am training adults. It is interesting, as the same adults that detest the idea of role-play for learning tend to be big fans of Fantasy sports. I know various colleagues who spend hours developing strategies, looking at sport statistics. Bottom line, these adults are learning while having fun.

The idea of real role-play is common in traditional instructional venues. The idea of using role-play for online instruction may not share the same favoritism. Online role-play is not new, consider games such as Civilization, WarCraft, Sims etc… These games can be played on a personal computer or online with various other gamers across the world.

Online role-play simulations (RPS) are no different from the traditional classroom role-play. Learners take on specific roles and solve a learning problem. “The role of the moderator in this activity is especially critical for looking over the "shoulders" of the learners and providing scaffolding, guidance in a just in time fashion.” Learners tend to learn best when they are having fun.
Role-play simulation is designed primarily to act out situations in a safe and supportive environment.

Three ingredients required for online Role-Play simulations

First: goal-based learning
“Typically, goal-based learning comprises a scenario or context, which includes a trigger or a precipitating event.” The events are usually presented for the learners to react to and define the mini goals to achieve success in the mission. In RPS, the learners assume different personalities and set their own goals with the assistance and approval of the moderator. Unlike goal based learning, RPS allows the learners to create their own goals that are aligned with the provided mission.

Second: role-play
“Students are organized into teams to play out particular roles within the context of a given crises or situation.” RPS at best is a learning game, and learners would approach the idea of learning as required part of the game.

Third: the WWW
"A role-play simulation generator such as, FablusiTM, (http://www.fablusi.com/) enables the creator of the simulation to specify the roles that are central to the operation and the success of the RPS.”

Resources:
http://mettleweb.unimelb.edu.au/guide/pedagogy4.html
http://www.simplay.net/clients.html