I found a terrific article that overlaps with some of my fellow classmates interests in the effect of role-playing in simulations and games as an effective means of cognitive development and learning instructional material. The article, "Suppose you were someone else…
The learning environment of a web-based role-play simulation", by Roni Linser, examines the impact role-playing simulations of online content to assist in the development of attitude structures for individuals and perspective insight to subjective experiences among peers and associates.
http://www.simplay.net/papers/suppose.html
Without spoiling a certain aspect of the article, the results of the experiments that generate situations and scenarios designed to enhance problem solving methods based on real-world problems prove to be successful among subjects and researchers. One of the compelling designs of role-playing simulations center on the reciprocal process of solving problems as an avatar in a world that correlates to daily activities. As stated by Linser (2004) "The argument here is that this routine and implicit use of taking on the attitudes of others in order to understand ourselves and others’ actions is what makes role-play useful", allows students to confront issues that arise based on simulated experiences to enhance methods of resolution in conflict or to strengthen cognitive schema that coincide with attitude belief structures. This ability for students to enlighten prospectives and generate emotions in varied mediums of interaction serve to promote tolerance, patience and creativity between cultures and beliefs.
In addition the article illustrates the the increase of communication in different temporal spaces offers students the opportunity to develop social cognitive behaviors amongst peers. I believe that interaction among different mediums affords all learners and designers the experience of expanding emotional affect based on different subjective viewpoints both digital and real. Any chance we as a species gain perspective on subjects relating to social interaction and positive behavioral reciprocation or conflict resolution, maintains our sense of cognitive evolution to progress beyond subconscious violent urges and into a realm of multiple platforms to discover emotional spectrum's within ourselves. This article proposes some radical transformations of thought and study while allowing open interpretation to future learning based techniques and temporal mediums.
Linser, Roni (2004). Suppose you were someone else…
The learning environment of a web-based role-play simulation. Retrieved April 12, 2008, from the website: http://www.simplay.net/papers/suppose.html
3 comments:
Hi Ben,
I checked out this article and I like it. It helps me to understand an important benefit of role-play simulation:
"But perhaps more significantly, the experience of deploying solutions to problems in such an interactive and reflexive environment and the unintended consequences that arise from such deployments of solutions to problems is instrumental in creating a reflective and integrated understanding of course material."
I would like to know more on the issue of solving problems as an avatar identity. It's related to "identity construction in the virtual world" mentioned by Zhuo. I enjoyed discussion in our group. Thanks.
Jiao :)
Hey Ben,
I enjoy reading the article by Linser. Though it is a research-based study, the writing is not confined within the formulaic style of a research paper. The introduction poses good research questions in describing a scenario in early childhood studies. As Liner claims "[t]he technology as a medium for learning thus helps students by providing a secure environment for ‘taking on the attitude of the other'," the students in this study learn to solve real-life problems in this role-playing simulations. This approach is very similar to "Simschool" recommended by Garnette. "Simschool" provides pre-teach students with some classroom situations in the virtual school they may actually face in the near future.
Indeed, my students in ESOL foudation course like analyzing scenarios and case studies. They feel they learn better when they are led to think how to respond in a certain situation. Role-playing simulation should be a good choice for my students too.
Thanks for sharing the article and your thoughts.
Hi Ben,
This is a great overlap for all of us. Lately, I have explored several simulations but none with avatar functionality. I will definitely check into this.
As I read your posting, I was reminded of a saying of my Grandfather. It goes like this: No one is more surprised than me to see the way I act. This quote supports that:
"...this routine and implicit use of taking on the attitudes of others in order to understand ourselves and others’ actions is what makes role-play useful..."
Role playing is a powerful instructional tool in any learning environment. When I taught 5th grade, we participated in the DARE program, a drug prevention and awareness program. A big part of that curriculum was role playing to give kids practice with how to respond, for example, when someone offered them cigarettes, alcohol, etc. It was empowering for kids.
Thanks for sharing this article!
:) Garnette
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