NETEACH-L: MOO SESSION LOGS

SESSION 16-A

Who are literacy students, and what are they doing at schMOOze University?

NETEACH Nook
------- ----
A spacious classroom with a comfortable, lived-in feeling to it. Among all the
decorations brought by teachers from all parts of the globe, there is a large,
up-to-date world map with brightly colored push-pins showing where NETEACHers
have connected from. So far, there are pins in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong,
Australia, Greece, UK, Brazil, Israel, Canada, France, Germany, Kuwait, and
all over the US.

You see Teacher's Desk, Big Table, Bulletin Board, Beanbags, Fireside Bearskin, Kitchen Table, Wading Pool, and Hot Tub.
You see Bronzed_Aussie, Rob, Flemmex, SIG [Guest], Dasha (Distracted), and Markus standing about.
You see LCD Panel.
Obvious exits: out
Gregor says, "Shall we start?"
Flemmex nods at Gregor.

Gregor puts Transparency No.1 on the stage.

On the screen you see...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to NETEACH-L's MOO discussion sessions!

(with much appreciation to schMOOze University
and its fine players, programmers, and wizards!)

               Please note! Our sessions are always logged.
      By participating, you give permission to Greg Younger to allow
    access to the transcripts for research purposes at his discretion.
    Before using any part of our logs for research or publication, please
      obtain the permission of Greg Younger at youngerg@colorado.edu

For a transcript, please see our web page:
http://spot.colorado.edu/~youngerg/netmoo.html

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Markus says, "oh, you didn't so far?"
Gregor [to Markus]: Nope, waiting for you! :o)
Gregor giggles.
Markus . o O ( and I was traing not to disturb... )
Markus corrects a typo: trying

Gregor puts Transparency No.2 on the stage.

On the screen you see...
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*** INTRODUCTIONS ***

     You are of course welcome to remain anonymous, but at this time
     we invite all of you who wish to do so to identify yourselves by
     your name and affiliation.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIG [Guest] look puzzled
Dasha [to Markus]: Your virtual shoes squeek.
Gregor is Greg Younger, Economics Institute, Boulder, Colorado, USA.
Markus is Markus J. Weininger from UFSC, Florianopolis, Sc - Brazil
Dasha is Dasha Frangie at Wayne State University in Detroit.
Flemmex is Mex Butler, adult literacy and basic education (ALBE) teacher in Victoria, Australia
SIG [Guest] says, ""I'm Sophie Ioannou-Georgiou (SIG),   teacher and teacher   trainer form Cyprus"
Mehitabel is going to try to join you.
Mehitabel has arrived.
Bronzed_Aussie Dale Pobega (the Bronzed One) is also an adult literacy practitioner from Melbourne, Australia
Flemmex says, "Hi Mehi"
Gregor welcomes SIG and the opportunity to put a new pin in the NETEACH MOO map!
Dasha waves at Mehitabel.
Gregor howdies Mehi.
Mehitabel says, "Hi. I am at work and can't stay as someone else needs the computer."
SIG [Guest] says, ""The   first one from Cyprus? Wow!"
Rob says, "Rob is Dana Snyder retired from Univ. of Massachusetts at Amherst ......Zoology"
Gregor [to Mehitabel]: Sorry you can't stay!
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: First Neteacher from Cyprus. I have two Cypriat students who sometimes come here.
Mehitabel waves to all and relinquishes the computer.
schMOOze mice can relax. Mehitabel (Asleep) has left the premises.
Mehitabel has disconnected.
Gregor [to Rob]: Are you an EZL instructor? :o)
Bronzed_Aussie grins meaningfully.
Dasha drafted Rob to talk to her students.
Flemmex [to Gregor]: Zecond?
Rob [to Gregor]: No, just a helper :)
SIG [Guest] says, "" What are your   students studying Flemmex?"
Gregor . o O ( English as a Zoological Language )
Bronzed_Aussie starts to laugh most contagiously.
Dasha says, "here and at HotelMOO."
SIG [Guest] laugh too
Rob smiles.
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: English as literacy students. Reading and writing. They are long term residents who never got a chance to learn reading and writing when they arrived here
Gregor says, "Well, anyway, welcome, everyone. Flemmex and Bronzed_Aussie will be leading our session today."
SIG [Guest] says, ""sounds very interesting Flemmex"
Flemmex grins at SIG [Guest].
Flemmex [to Bronzed_Aussie]: Shall we begin?
Bronzed_Aussie says, "yes, let's do"
Markus nods.
Dasha awaits the floorshow.

Flemmex is going to display something new on the screen...

On the screen you see...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to NETEACH-L's MOO discussion sessions!

(with much appreciation to schMOOze University
and its fine players, programmers, and wizards!)

For a transcript, please see our web page:
http://spot.colorado.edu/~youngerg/netmoo.html

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flemmex laughs
Flemmex says, "Get your darn thing off there greg!"
Gregor turned off LCD Panel.
Gregor turned on LCD Panel.
Gregor says, "OK, all yours. Sorry!"

Flemmex seems to be preparing some material for OHP now.

Flemmex is going to display something new on the screen...

On the screen you see...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

***************************************************************
*                                         &nbs p;                   *
*      Who are literacy students and what are they doing      *
*                 at schMOOze University?                     *
*                                         &nbs p;                   *
***************************************************************

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIG [Guest] waiting

Flemmex is going to display something new on the screen...

On the screen you see...
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Literacy students often have characteristics different from other language
learners, yet many love MOOing and find it highly motivating. Low literacy
skills don't necessarily mean low technical skills or low intelligence. Many
people with dyslexia or other specific learning disabilities are very keen
to do further studies.

In this NETEACH session, you can get some useful information about literacy
teaching and learning, and have a chance to talk about great ways to work
with people for whom reading and writing doesn't come so easily.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flemmex says, "This is the blurb that went out in the mail so you've probably read this bit already"
Markus nods.
Markus smiles at Flemmex and starts to giggle.

Flemmex is going to display something new on the screen...

On the screen you see...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this session we are going to present two brief case studies of real people with whom we work and who come to this MOO. We hope these case studies will stimulate discussion about the capabilities and needs of literacy students.

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Markus says, "great!"
Bronzed_Aussie says, "do people here realise that there are many literacy students at schmooze (as opposed to ESL ones)?"
Flemmex says, "But first a short orientation"
SIG [Guest] says, ""could we consider beginners EFL learners in the same category?"
Flemmex nods at Bronzed_Aussie.
Gregor knows because he's talked to many of them.
The housekeeper arrives to cart Mehitabel off to bed.
Flemmex hears SIGs question and shows the next slide

Flemmex is going to display something new on the screen...

On the screen you see...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Who are adult literacy students?
--- --- ----- -------- ---------
1. Adult native speakers who have not learnt to read and write well enough for their own present needs.

Levels vary from those unable to write their own name at one extreme to those who want help learning to organise their thoughts and words for formal writing situations such as letters or school work.

2. Non-native speakers who are:
* not very literate in their first language or
* unused to roman script.

Generally they speak English with a fair degree of fluency, though not necessarily with great accuracy. Sometimes ESL/EFL learners join adult literacy classes because the teaching style suits their learning needs or because their oracy and literacy skills are at similar levels and both will benefit through focus on written materials.

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Bronzed_Aussie says, "that might answer your question SIG"
SIG [Guest] says, "" it does, thank you"
Gregor says, "I think I have students in the second category in some classes I teach."
Bronzed_Aussie says, "most are chanllenged in their first and second languages"
Dasha says, "I always have students in the second category, even at the university."
Gregor nods at Dasha.
Markus [to Bronzed_Aussie]: instead of bilingual doble illiterate?
Markus corrects a typo: double
Flemmex [to Gregor]: Exactly!
SIG [Guest] says, ": well, we have the problem with    the roman script which   is new to our learners"
Bronzed_Aussie [to Markus]: that is very common
Flemmex nods at Markus.
Dasha says, "I've had students who weren't literate in their first language, especially in the refugee education projects."
Bronzed_Aussie nods.
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: I was trying to think how to express that better.
Gregor says, "Great, we've got a good, relevant topic here today for all concerned."
SIG [Guest] says, ""The question   is   how do   they manage   to MOO"
Flemmex grins.
Flemmex says, "Whew!"
Markus smiles.
Rob says, "We have quite a few employees at the university who are in the first category. There is a program to give them released time once or twice a week to improve their literacy ."
Dasha [to Flemmex]: How do you introduce the idea?
Flemmex says, "People want to talk a bit forst or go straight on to the case studies?"
Flemmex [to Dasha]: Which idea?
Gregor says, "Maybe the cases will focus our discussion."
SIG [Guest] says, "" I'm puzzled "
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: By what?
SIG [Guest] says, "" how do   they manage to keep up with the MOOing speed?"
Bronzed_Aussie [to Dasha]: ... there are very few of those students here at schmooze ... most of the studes are highly educated here and from quite privileged backgrounds economically ... that makes for an interesting situation as Flemmex and I bring more of our classes here
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: Good point!!! :)
Dasha nods.
Dasha says, "I'm limited to lab settings too."
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: In a MOO you can move somewhere quiet if the pace is too fast.
Gregor thinks SIG asked the million-dollar question of the day. :o)
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: What you're seeing here is much faster than the majority of MOO stuff. Cos there's lots of people
Dasha tries to arrange for someone on line to talk to her students.
Flemmex nods at Dasha.
SIG [Guest] says, ""I'm new   at MOOing but have   tried other sites and some of them are REALLY fast"
Flemmex [to Dasha]: What do you mean linited to lab settings?
Flemmex nods at SIG [Guest].
Bronzed_Aussie [to SIG [Guest]]: and GREGOR the learning does not necessarily have to be intensive writing .. the intensive reading experience and students developing attention spans (with occassional input) is something I have observed a lot of
Mic slides in, ready to NETwork.
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: That's one reason schMOOze is so good for learners - apart from things like this, it's easy to find nice slow paced situations
Flemmex [to Mic]: Hey Mic!
Gregor greets Mic. "Welcome!"
Flemmex says, "Mic is a colleague from melbourne!"
Flemmex says, "Another ALBE teacher"
SIG [Guest] says, ""I thin   SchMOOze is very user friendly"
Dasha apologises. She needs to idle to pick up her husband from the gas station.
Flemmex nods at SIG [Guest].
Gregor [to Dasha]: Put it in neutral!
Bronzed_Aussie says, "yes, and you can slow up the pace by moving into spaces where greater control of the situation can be facilitated"
Mic says, "Hi Gregor and Flemmex, how are you both this fine morning (in melb)"
Flemmex [to Dasha]: Pity - he could use the exercise/.....
Gregor [to Mic]: Having a fine afternoon this morning! ;o)
Flemmex [to Mic]: Good thanks. :)
Bronzed_Aussie [to Mic]: hi there .. glad you came
SIG [Guest] says, ""Also SchMOOze has a   fine supportive atmosphere"
Flemmex says, "Ok guys - time for a case study?"
Gregor nods at Flemmex.
Bronzed_Aussie nods.
Mic [to SIG [Guest]]: a co-teacher of mine freaked when she saw the text interface ...
Flemmex supports SIG a bit more. "Here - have a seat! "
SIG [Guest] says, "" Elsewhere things were a bit rough and even a bit abusive"
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: Very true!
SIG [Guest] says, ": Thanks   Flemmex"
Mic [to Flemmex]: yes wouldn't miss this session ... is it all right to log?
Flemmex says, "Especially in chats and IRCs"
Flemmex [to Mic]: The whole thing is being logged by the young and lovely Gregor
Gregor [to Mic]: I'm logging it and will put it up on the neteach moo website.
Gregor blushes at Mex.
Flemmex clears the throat before showing a case study slide
SIG [Guest] says, ":This is the first MOO session that I   really feel   comfortable and I think it is because of the wonderful colleagues here"
Bronzed_Aussie [to Mic]: but as I said a few lines ago, the intense interface does not necessarily mean students have to keep up re WRITING
Flemmex grins at SIG. "Aren't we the koolest?" :p
Mic [to Flemmex]: and gregor oh great .... so if i had to leave early ...
Gregor [to Bronzed_Aussie]: I think that's a really important point... nobody is forcing students to produce here.
Flemmex nods.
Bronzed_Aussie says, "exactly"
Mic [to Bronzed_Aussie]: Yes, people can just read, that's true

Flemmex is going to display something new on the screen...

On the screen you see...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Who are adult literacy students?
--- --- ----- -------- ---------
1. Adult native speakers who have not learnt to read and write well enough for their own present needs.

Levels vary from those unable to write their own name at one extreme to those who want help learning to organise their thoughts and words for formal writing situations such as letters or school work.

2. Non-native speakers who are:
* not very literate in their first language or
* unused to roman script.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gregor [to Mic]: No prob, daddio.
Flemmex says, "Ooops"

Flemmex is going to display something new on the screen...

On the screen you see...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Case Study One
---- ----- ---

J____ is an Italian Australian in his 50s who migrated to Australia as a teenager. He speaks fluent English and sounds Australian, but also maintains his Italian through talking with his family.
J____ did a couple of years of school in Italy but this was interrupted by war and family obligations. He started work in a factory almost as soon as he arrived in Australia and worked for 30 years before industry restructuring made him "redundant".

His current reading/writing skills allow him to write a few sentences unassisted. The grammar will be a bit uneven and his spelling is often phonetic.

In MOO, he likes to share a keyboard with another student or a group. He likes talking to people from around the world but feels a bit anxious that somehow the internet might lead to intrusions into his life - computer crimes etc.

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Bronzed_Aussie says, "...and their is the issue of what can be done with the text AFTERWARDS"
Bronzed_Aussie says, "whoops THERE (spelling :)"
Mic says, "So u allow learners to go with the whole informal language thing, and then look at how you might re-draft for a more formal setting?"
Gregor [to Flemmex]: When you say he "shares the kwyboard," does that generally mean he lets others do the typing? Or does he take turns?
Bronzed_Aussie [to Mic]: yes, that is one way ... but the discussion does not have be informal or uncontrolled per se .. you can set up discussions, activities
SIG [Guest] says, ""isn't it more difficult when there aretwo    or more    at the Keyboard?"
Gregor corrects a typo: keyboard
SIG [Guest] says, "" sorry"
Bronzed_Aussie [to Mic]: ... and then use the text afterwards in the way you suggested
Mic [to Bronzed_Aussie]: ... yes, as if it is a literacy class in one room, just using extra tools ..
Bronzed_Aussie nods.
Gregor [to SIG [Guest]]: Actually, sharing a computer is a good way to get students started here. Let the faster typist be the typist, and let the other student(s) tell him/her what to type.
Flemmex [to Mic]: I don't worry about redrafting of anything they "talk" here. They're talking. That's it.
Markus already saw many groups having fun in MOOs logged in as one character (online and irl)
SIG [Guest] says, ""is    there time for the group   to think   or   do they    have to type whatever is shouted first?"
Flemmex says, "But to get them using different genres, I do as BA just said and set up different tasks for them to carry out"
Flemmex nods at Markus.
Bronzed_Aussie [to Mic]: for example, our students this year will use MOO to learn about formal Meeting procedure .. they are organising a conference with Flemmex's students and another group here in Melbournew
Mic [to Gregor]: i like the idea of learners sharing keyboards, so that they can help each other ... sometimes studes can be real possessive of the hardware
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: They can have as much time as they like when they're in a one-to-one conversation
Flemmex nods at Mic.
SIG [Guest] nod
Mic [to Bronzed_Aussie]: sounds good, meeting procedure is so crazy
Flemmex says, "My broady group seems to prefer conferencing about the content"
Gregor says, "Synchronous communication doesn't have to be high-speed chatter, in other words?"
Flemmex [to Mic]: That way, no single student has the sole responsiblilty foir what gets said or any mistakes
Flemmex [to Gregor]: Exactly!
Markus [to Mic]: the facilitator present in the lab or so should take care of this. Most keyboards have long enough cables to pull them onto every participants' lap
Mic [to SIG [Guest]]: ... and how do three learners identify themselves as one moo character?
Flemmex says, "And schMOOze is full of language learners, so mistakes don't stand out and everyone is tolerant of pace"
SIG [Guest] says, ""have no idea!"
Flemmex grins.
Markus [to SIG [Guest]]: I already saw groups using one fancy nick or a composit name
Bronzed_Aussie [to Mic]: but can you see what I mean about the conversation (the 'chat') in the first instance --- they can be meeting using MOO, be attempting to follow meeting procedure (and make a mess of it .. even have a bit of fun and joking about ) but then afterwards in class look at the log carefully and study it, edit it, transform it
SIG [Guest] says, ""I   must admit it sounds much more fun"
Gregor says, "I've seena few "Siamese twins" here. :o)"
Flemmex [to Mic]: At Broady, a group of ss sits around the commputer, logs on as "Broady" (the name of their area) and pass the kb back and forth between them.
Markus [to sic]: like: 'SIG_GREG_MEX [Guest]'
Flemmex says, "In their description they say something like "A group of weirdos from the northern suburbs of Melbourne""
Flemmex nods at Markus.
SIG [Guest] laughs
Mic [to Bronzed_Aussie]: so what then is the purpose of editing ... to examine what language u might use in a different context, or simply to practise for next moo session?
SIG [Guest] says, "'I wonder   if gender influences conversations "
Flemmex says, "Did you all get a chance to read about J___?"
Gregor says, "Meeting procedure sounds like a good activity. Do you guys have others in your repertoire?"
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: It SURE does!!
SIG [Guest] says, "'Yes, we read about him"
Flemmex [to Gregor]: Reading help files
Mic [to Flemmex]: woops, page up, if people could stop chatting, i could look at the slide again
SIG [Guest] says, "" did   MOOing help him   improve?"
Flemmex [to Gregor]: Explaining to a newer MOOer how to do something.
Markus [to Flemmex]: I have another Q. How do you prepare them for the MOO specific social environment? MOOtiquette etc.?
Gregor says, "Ah, good one."
Flemmex nods at SIG [Guest].
Bronzed_Aussie [to Mic]: no to study the procedure .. look at it and decide whether they actually conformed to the conventions requitred, the turn taking etc required in such a formal activity, control etc
Gregor [to Mic]: Type peek 5 on lcd
Flemmex [to Markus]: I usually demo the first session.
Gregor says, "Oops, peek 5 IN lcd"
Markus nods at Flemmex.
You peek into Transparency No.5.
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Case Study One
---- ----- ---

J____ is an Italian Australian in his 50s who migrated to Australia as a teenager. He speaks fluent English and sounds Australian, but also maintains his Italian through talking with his family.
J____ did a couple of years of school in Italy but this was interrupted by war and family obligations. He started work in a factory almost as soon as he arrived in Audtralia and worked for 30 years before industry restructuring made him "redundant".

His current reading/writing skills allow him to write a few sentences unassisted. The grammar will be a bit uneven and his spelling is often phonetic.

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Flemmex [to Markus]: We talk about the sort of things ppl are doing and saying, then discuss how it is like nonMOO behavious
Mic [to Gregor]: good tip, thankyou
SIG [Guest] says, "" about gender ... Any females here?"
Bronzed_Aussie says, "yes, BEHAVIOURS are interesting to study"
SIG [Guest] says, ""Is   that   a NO?"
Mic says, "phew, so a bit of discourse analysis is required by the teacher ..."
Bronzed_Aussie says, "the rules -- what CAN and CAN"T be said in the MOO .. how the community operates, its government!"
Gregor [to SIG [Guest]]: You mean here today in this meeting?
Flemmex nods at Mic.
Markus [to Flemmex]: I had several cases where I wasn't sure how to react when one of your students simply jumped into private conversations without knocking... Wanna say react like a normal MOOer would? (@eject) or stop this private conversation and start to discuss MOOtiquette with them. Dunno what would help more... Be realistic or be kind?
SIG [Guest] says, "(to   Gregor) "yes"
Gregor [to SIG [Guest]]: If you look at each character here (LOOK GREG, for example) you will see our genders.
Flemmex [to Markus]: Yeah it's a dilemma! I guess you do what you can cope with at the time, but bear in mind that these MOOers are a little more fragile than some.
SIG [Guest] says, ""but isn't it realistic that we sometimes jump into a conversation? ...   sometimes...haven't you ever done   it?"
Bronzed_Aussie [to Markus]: it is like the real world ... I think there is something the language rich class here at the MOO has to learn form such experiences too
Markus [to mex&BA]: I had the impression that they were not prepared for that discussion, had an expectation that there had to be a "where are you from I am from ..."-dialogue.
Dasha returns and tries to catch up.
Flemmex says, "I'd like to show a second case study here - I think it's very relevant"
Mic [to SIG [Guest]]: yes i find it very strange to be jumping into people's conversations ... usually you rely on eye contact to decide whether you can approach a person
Gregor [to SIG [Guest]]: Markus is talking about @joining people in a private room. You knocked before you joined us here, which is good mootiquette.

Flemmex is going to display something new on the screen...

On the screen you see...
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Case Study Two
---- ----- ---

M---- is a 20 year old adult literacy and basic education student whose mild intellectual and severe physical disabilities have precluded him from attending post primary schooling and a good deal of what might be considered 'normal' adult social life. What can MOOing provide for M---- personally and educationally? What are its limitations? How does MOOspace differ for him? How do we use the community and learning environment of schMOOze within the broader basic education curriculum? The subcultures, friendship groups, hierarchies, regulations & etiquette and spaces (classrooms to MOOrrey's Bar) have been used by Bronzed_Aussie in his class.

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SIG [Guest] nod
SIG [Guest] says, ""This isn't just a case of literacy"
Bronzed_Aussie says, "yeah, more like a series of questions .. . sorry"
Bronzed_Aussie says, "I was asking myself as teacher"
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: But most people aren't. :)
Mic says, "... is it easier for a person like this to meet, without the prejudices of people in an ordinary bar?"
Flemmex [to Mic]: Much!
Gregor says, "The beer's usually better in a bar, though. ;o)"
Bronzed_Aussie says, "I believe so!"
Rob [to Flemmex]: MOOing can provide a more sheltered space from which to engage with others, especially important for a shy person
Markus agrees.
Mic says, "... of course typing could be harder than speaking, depending on abilities"
Bronzed_Aussie lags badly!!
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: Not many people are still struggling with literacy issues as an adult if there are no other factors. There are *allways* other issues
Mic [to Gregor]: ... indeed, bloody-cyber-mary isn't so good
Bronzed_Aussie says, "M ... types very well ..fluently in fact"
Gregor NODS loudly at Mic.
Dasha says, "The MOO can offer a sort of social outlet. It hides the physical problems. Also for students in a city like Detroit, where almost everyone is commuting, the MOO adds something."
Flemmex he he hes
Flemmex nods at Dasha.
Dasha has a student from Guinea who's very happy with HotelMOO, just for a bit of social time.
Bronzed_Aussie says, "I wanted to make the point about the socilisation aspect of the MOO and how it fits in to the education and life world of this student .. it is very valuable for him"
Mic says, "the papers often have stories of how people with disabilities use the net to overcome ordinary face-to-face prejudice, but how true are they"
Flemmex says, "Lately I've been having out-of-hours mooing with several of my ss who have now got internet at home"
Rob says, "Mooing would be especially helpful if M.......were concerned with his appearance or other physical disabilities."
Mic [to Flemmex]: are there issues of befriending sts outside of class?
Flemmex says, "So a student who wagged school yesterday logged on from home and joined us anyway! I marked him present on the roll."
Dasha [to Mic]: There certainly are where I am.
Markus [to Flemmex]: ...virtual classroom
Mic says, "it's definitely a social world, isn't it! i'm amazed at the experience of 'meeting' people cyber-ly."
Flemmex [to Mic]: Of course!
Dasha [to Flemmex]: I would do the same.
SIG [Guest] says, "" I agree"
Bronzed_Aussie [to Rob]: he is very self conscious ... and although I don't want to assume the position of some kind of shrink (yuk!) I think M .. being able to have his first dance virtually was a very important experience
Flemmex [to Mic]: So far though there haven't been any tacky situations.
Flemmex [to Mic]: But if they go where I go socially, the same thing can happen.
SIG [Guest] says, ""how did he have his first dance?"
Mic [to Dasha]: ... yes ... our staff policy says no making friends, and no accepting dinner invitations, but the bar is an accepted esl venue!
Flemmex [to Bronzed_Aussie]: Wow! Yeah that must've been a blast for him!
Gregor [to Mic]: Really! That's down on paper, eh?
Dasha says, "Here, it's the logistics of gathering people scattered across a wide metropolitan area. "
Mic [to Gregor]: ... yes, and we had to read it to the sts first thing (written in bureau-speak)
Bronzed_Aussie [to Rob]: ..and remember he is creating that experience for himself by negotiating the situation with text ... he is writing intensively
SIG [Guest] says, ""I've studied in Cyprus and in England and always had very friendly relationships with our teachers"
Markus [to SIG [Guest]]: ...there is a bar here at schMOOze (MOOrrey's) where you can hang out, have food or drinks and *dance* :-)
Bronzed_Aussie says, "speak of the devil .. one of my students is here!"
Dasha smiles.
Flemmex says, "The devil incarnate! :)"
Gregor laughs.
shaun [Guest] is going to try to join you.
shaun [Guest] has arrived.
Markus [to Flemmex]: Shaun?
Flemmex says, "Here he comes!"
Flemmex nods.
Dasha waves at shaun [Guest].
Gregor says, "Hiya, Shaun."
shaun [Guest] says, " hi there"
SIG [Guest] says, ""hi Shaun"
Mic says, "yes of course the friendly thing is a separate issue that teachers will manage in their way ... what's important is the dynamic between students"
Markus waves at shaun [Guest].
Flemmex [to Markus]: BA's student mind you - not mine!
Rob says, "Hi Shaun "
Bronzed_Aussie [to ALL]: this is my student Shaun
Flemmex says, "Hi Shaun!"
shaun [Guest] [to Bronzed_Aussie]: so early?
Bronzed_Aussie says, "teacher stuff!"
Flemmex [to shaun [Guest]]: It's ok - he's getting paid for it. :)
Gregor [to Flemmex]: Who's paying?
Gregor grins.
shaun [Guest] [to Bronzed_Aussie]: I'm folding programs and Mooing at the same time
Bronzed_Aussie [to Flemmex]: oh yeah!
Dasha is delighted when she sees her students on line. "It's just happening for me this semester!"
SIG [Guest] says, ""It's not so early over here"
Bronzed_Aussie Flemmex is joking! (really)
Markus says, "The time in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina (Southern Brazil) is now 7:54 p.m. on Wednesday"
SIG [Guest] says, "'It's nearly midnight"
Gregor says, "The time in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, USA is now 2:54 p.m. on Wednesday"
Dasha says, "The time in Detroit, Michigan, USA is now 4:54 p.m. on Wednesday"
shaun [Guest] [to Flemmex]: hi, I was talking to Nikki yesterday
Mic says, "speaking of *early*, i've got to dash ... to a presentation thingie ... can't wait to read the whole log, and if there's a repeat session, i'll be here ... bye for now"
Flemmex says, "The time in MOOnee Ponds is now 8:55 a.m. on Thursday"
Gregor says, "We'll arrange a second session at an alternate time..."
Rob says, "The time in Massachusetts, USA is now 4:55 PM"
Gregor says, "Watch NETEACH-L for an announcement."
Flemmex [to shaun [Guest]]: Yeah she told me. She really loves mooing
shaun [Guest] [to Gregor]: long time no talk
Dasha [to Flemmex]: How's what's-her-name...Dame whatever?
Flemmex nods at Dasha.
Bronzed_Aussie [to shaun [Guest]]: the teachers here were wondering whether MOOing was too quick to follow ...what are your general impressions of MOOing .. good things, weaknesses
Gregor [to shaun [Guest]]: Yeah, but I see you here a lot. Having fun? :o)
Flemmex says, "Dame Edna Everage"
SIG [Guest] says, ""This way European teachers are at a disadvantage becuase it's always very late"
shaun [Guest] [to Flemmex]: she's right into it now
Dasha [to Flemmex]: yes!
shaun [Guest] [to Gregor]: I'm hooked
Gregor [to SIG [Guest]]: ...or very early.
Flemmex [to shaun [Guest]]: YEah - a hopeless MOO-junky.
NickO [Guest] slides in, ready to NETwork.
Mic says, "it's been a very interesting discussion so far, ciao"
Mic [to Gregor]: I'll be watching!
Mic has disconnected.
Bronzed_Aussie says, "Shaun has a great web site too"
shaun [Guest] [to Flemmex]: but soon I'm going to get on the internet phone
Gregor grins at Shaun. "We've just been talking about Mex and BA's classes. What are the benefits of MOOing for you?
Dasha [to shaun [Guest]]: No cure known. I was asked if I was giving up coffee or the computer for Lent. Guess I'll miss coffee, eh?
Flemmex has one more slide to show ans dees that time is nearly up.
Gregor laughs at Dasha.
Flemmex [to shaun [Guest]]: Do you like it?
shaun [Guest] [to Flemmex]: yeah, wheb it's clean
Flemmex laughs at shaun [Guest].
shaun [Guest] [to Flemmex]: when I mean
Flemmex says, "Last slide coming up!"
carabao [Guest] is going to try to join you.
Gregor says, "Then I've got one to close the session."

Flemmex is going to display something new on the screen...

carabao [Guest] has arrived.
On the screen you see...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why is schMOOze Uni a good place for literacy students?

1. Other people make mistakes too.
2. They can control the pace.
3. It opens their eyes to a much wider world.
4. They don't think of it as writing and reading (which they think of as hard) but as talking, which is how they normally negotiate and learn.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gregorneber maeks misrtakes.
Bronzed_Aussie says, "#4 point is very good"
Dasha is know ordenery writhing teecher.
shaun [Guest] [to Bronzed_Aussie]: what about sex education?
SIG [Guest] says, ""A wider world?"
Flemmex agrees with Dasha
Dasha agress with point 4.
Flemmex nods at SIG [Guest].
Flemmex [to shaun [Guest]]: What about it shaun? You need some?
Gregor says, "I'll have to consider those ideas when I teach a low-level R/W class again. It's been awhile."
SIG [Guest] says, ""can   it    really substitute knowledge in that respect?"
Flemmex does noddies to greg
Dasha [to SIG [Guest]]: My students are amazed they're taking to people in Hong Kong and the Netherlands from the same time.
NickO [Guest] says, "sorry for jumping in at the end like this but on that last point is that a transferable skill that they can use to achieve less techno writing comptencies?"
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: How do you mean substitute?
Bronzed_Aussie says, "the relationship of speaking and writing is a big issue in literacy eduction here --- some are suspicious of MOO because it sits somewhere in between .. throws the distinction a bit"
Jarek is going to try to join you.
Jarek has arrived.
Gregor [to Bronzed_Aussie]: Would you argue that that's a benefit?
SIG [Guest] says, ""if we're talking about meeting people than it's wonderful"
Jarek says, "Hi!"
Flemmex [to NickO [Guest]]: Definitely. But MOO has the space for just about any kind of writing
shaun [Guest] [to Jarek]: hi there
Flemmex rolls out a blue carpet to welcome Jarek.
Gregor [to SIG [Guest]]: What do you mean "substituting for knowledge?"
Flemmex hugs Jarek with a warm and loving embrace.
Jarek thought this was a private meeting ;)
Bronzed_Aussie says, "I think it is a kind of necessary and valuable BRIDGING MEDIUM"
shaun [Guest] [to Jarek]: I thought you were a teacher anyway
NickO [Guest] bows deeply to Flemmex
Gregor [to Bronzed_Aussie]: I would think so too.
SIG [Guest] says, "" I think I   realise now what you meant"
The housekeeper arrives to cart Mic off to bed.
carabao [Guest] gathers its stuff and heads out the door.
Flemmex [to NickO [Guest]]: Several of my students are getting interested in the idea of programming in the MOO
SIG [Guest] says, "" it was a misunderstanding"
Gregor greets the newcomers and promises that there will be another session on this topic sometime next week.
shaun [Guest] [to Jarek]: okay I understand
Dasha has required editing...prewriting and idea drafting.
Bronzed_Aussie [to Gregor]: when you take in to account what can be done with the text afterwards and the situations you can set up here it is a very powerful medium
Flemmex [to Jarek]: Nah - any old MOOer is welcome! :) Specially ones with supersoakers and stuff.
Gregor wishes Mex and BA were coming to TESOL to demo this!
Jarek laughs at Flemmex with bright eyes.
Jarek thanks Flemmex profusely.
Bronzed_Aussie says, "come to WORLCALL instead!!!!"
Flemmex wishes too Greg!
Dasha sighs. Another missed TESOL.
Gregor groans, wishing he could.
Bronzed_Aussie says, "We will be at WORLD CALL"
Flemmex laughs at shaun [Guest].
SIG [Guest] says, ""it would be great"
Flemmex [to shaun [Guest]]: Really??????
Dasha will send Claire to WORLD CALL to represent her.
Gregor says, "Anyone here going to TESOL? (I am)"
Bronzed_Aussie says, "if we can get the money for registration :("
SIG [Guest] says, ""what will you    be presenting?"
Flemmex rolls all over the place laughing.
shaun [Guest] [to Flemmex]: oh yeah
Dasha [to Gregor]: Only if I'm kidnapped.
Flemmex [to SIG [Guest]]: I will be presenting my ticket at the door. That's about it I'm afrain! :p
Gregor [to Dasha]: One can always hope, eh? :o)
shaun [Guest] [to Flemmex]: it doesn't take long to get sick of talking that way
Bronzed_Aussie [to SIG [Guest]]: don't know if we'll be presenting, Flemmex? whaddya rekon
Dasha would love to come. She's on Spring break too.
Flemmex [to shaun [Guest]]: Well good on you shaun! I'm really pleased.
Flemmex [to Bronzed_Aussie]: I think we missed that boat mate.
SIG [Guest] says, ""I nearly applied but I thought I didn't have a chance for a grant so.."
Gregor says, "We can stay and chat as long as people want, but I'm going to adjourn this thing..."

% recv failed: Connection timed out
% Connection to sch closed.
---- No world ----

(Oops… power outage at Hunter College. THE END! :o)

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