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The Educational MOO—User Profile
Article

, , , Tel-Aviv University, Israel

IJET Volume 7, Number 3, ISSN 1077-9124 Publisher: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), Chesapeake, VA

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Abstract

This article attempts to investigate the social and educational potential of the Multi User Dimension Object Oriented (MOO) environment, with emphasis on the educational MOO. This is accomplished through a close examination of the profile of MOO users. One hundred sixty one MOO users of both social and educational MOO environments completed an anonymous online survey on their MOO experience which examined their demographic characteristics, motivation for frequenting the MOO, use of the MOO, perception of the MOO, and the way they viewed their membership there. Findings regarding the demographic characteristics of users are consistent with the literature. Respondents were mainly native English speakers, computer competent, and had a high level of education. They grasp the environment as both social and educational and used it mainly for sharing ideas and professional tips. The elements found favored by most users were the sense of community and the intercultural contact. A typological classification of MOO users revealed three prototypes: (a) the highly academic teacher, (b) the student seeking company, and (c) the young programmer. In light of these findings, this article suggests that the MOO be viewed as a learning environment that encourages learning in a social setting and can enhance the development of real professional communities based on communal interest for collaborative work.

Citation

Avigail, O., David, M. & Orly, Y. (2001). The Educational MOO—User Profile. International Journal of Educational Telecommunications, 7(3), 271-292. Norfolk, VA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved April 1, 2023 from .

© 2001 Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)

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