(NETEACH-L Secret Santa Party)

NETEACH Nook
------- ----
Your typical classroom. It's beginning to feel a bit more lived in, and
someone managed to put up at least one nice decoration: a world map with 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, and all over the US.
 
Holiday decorations abound. Appropriate to the international and inter-
cultural nature of NETEACH-L, there is a Christmas tree with a Star of 
David on top, and cresent moons, dreidels, colorful glass balls, and 
sparkling lights hanging from its fragrant branches. Pagans have lit 
solstice candles all around the menorah on the fireplace mantle. 
Evergreen boughs are everywhere.

You see Teacher's Desk, Big Table, Bulletin Board, Beanbags, Fireside
 Bearskin, Kitchen Table, and Wading Pool.
You see Chrissy [Guest] and Puzzled standing about.
You see LCD Panel, Tea Pot, and **CHRISTMAS CARD**.
Obvious exits: out
Gregor says, "Hi, guys!"
Puzzled says, "As if there isn't enough of this kind of stuff on the streets."
Chrissy [Guest] says, "Hi, all, happy holidays!"
"What's on the streets," Gregor asks brightly. "Crime? Snow? Garbage? Traffic?"
Chrissy [Guest] says, "and Homeless, too."
Gregor says, "What are you guys talking about?"
Chrissy [Guest] says, "I add Homeless to your stuff on the streets.  Gregor."
Gregor says, "Ah... I was just wondering what Puzzled was mentioning...Puzzled
 says, "As if there isn't enough of this kind of stuff on the streets.""
Dasha has arrived.
Dasha says, "hello Chrissy [Guest], Puzzled, and Gregor!"
Chrissy [Guest] says, "Hello, Dasha."
Gregor waves to Dasha, glad she could make it!
Dasha says, "I have temporary liberation."
Gregor pours Dasha a temporal libation.
Dasha is amused
Puzzled says, "Humbug."
Gregor snickers at Ebenezer Puzzled.
Puzzled says, "The way I'm lagging I'll be the ghost of last xmas"."
Dasha says, "When do they celebrate in Greece?  I have to wait till Jan 7th,
 or is it 8th this year?"
Gregor [to Dasha]: What's that, the Epiphany?
Puzzled says, "25th and 6th."
Dasha says, "Some of us Russians still think the Gregorian calendar is a
 communist plot."
Puzzled says, "7th is John and I guess there are a lot of Johns who celebrate
 that too."
Dasha says, "We celebrate Christmas according to the Julian Calendar."
Gregor says, "We celebrate on the strictly commercial calendar."
Dasha says, "WE have the commercial Christmas with everyone else."
Gregor smiles ruefully. "It fits work schedules, school schedules, and
 everything better."
Dasha says, "The kids enjoy being pulled out of school."
Gregor says, "Oh, I bet."
Puzzled says, "I'd like to celebrate according to the French revolutionary
 calendar, but first we need...."
Dasha says, "Great, I'll knit!"
Puzzled says, "A guillotine."
Puzzled says, "Socks please, medium size."
Gregor [to Dasha]: My Central Asian students were happily surprised to meet a
 "dasha" here, btw. :o)
Dasha needs to find the Mme Lafarge costume
Chrissy [Guest] says, "It is interesting to see different culture celebrating
 their Christmas/New Year."
Dasha [to Gregor]: They don't talk to me much though.
Gregor [to Dasha]: They're shy typists, so far.
Dasha says, "Are we the last of the teaching types still around a network?"
Gregor says, "That was a fast-paced class. Not an English class; just an Intro to
 Internet class, and we had much to cover. I would have liked to spend more
 leisurely time here with them."
Dasha nods
Gregor says, "I think we may be... there were only about 5 of us here on Tuesday,
 too."
Gregor says, "I'm connected from the comfort of home, which is nice....sipping
 coffee, music on the CD player..."
Dasha had to go to a computer lab.
Gregor [to Dasha]: I'm glad you made the effort.. thanks!
Gregor [to Chrissy [Guest]]: Are you at your school?>
Chrissy [Guest] says, "Oh, that's too bad to hear that Dasha has to go."
Gregor [to Puzzled]: And how about you? Are you on vacation?
Gregor [to Chrissy [Guest]]: I think Dasha meant that she is in the computer
 lab now.
Puzzled says, "I finished todaaaaaaaaaaaaay.^"
Gregor cheers for Puzzled.
Chrissy [Guest] [to Gregor]: "Yes, Gregor, sitting in the computer room for
 research students.
Chrissy [Guest] [to Gregor]: "But still have no luck to use a client for
 MOOing.
Puzzled says, "how so?"
Gregor says, "I was just going to say, I think this group is too small for
 anything formal, but we can chat and see what each of us is looking for in
 the way of mentoring or whatever."
Puzzled reaches in his pocket and produces a long piece of string which he
 knew would come in handy for something. He offers it.
Gregor accepts it gratefully.
Puzzled says, "oops wrong key. Sorry."
Gregor [to Chrissy [Guest]]: Have you tried talking to the network managers
 there?
Chrissy [Guest] [to Gregor]: "Yes, for ages.  I hope that I can show them the
 logfile later on
Dasha says, "My husband just brought home the computer that used to be in the
 family's gas station office.  I don't know anything about IBM style machines,
 but there seems to be a modem icon.  What should I llok for to find out if I
 can use that machine for Schmooze, for example?"
Dasha corrects look
Chrissy [Guest] [to Gregor]: "to remind them again and again.
Gregor [to Chrissy [Guest]]: That's too bad. I don't know what to tell you
 then... you're kind of at their mercy if you're using their computers.
Gregor [to Dasha]: Which IBM is it? 386? 486? Are you using windows?
Dasha says, "It's a clone, small memory.  Windows 3.11 for workgroups"
Gregor says, "Well, if it's got a modem port, all you need is a modem and some
 software to dial it, which usually comes free with the purchase of a modem."
Dasha says, "I don't know if I have the right software already, I see icons,
 but I don't know what to do with them."
Gregor pats his little 4/40 Mac Classic. "MOO is pretty lo-tech, really. You
 don't need a monster machine to do it."
Puzzled thinks dasha could always try clicking the icons.
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] slides in, ready to NETwork.
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "ho ho ho"
Dasha says, "I've done that, but I still don't know if there is software still
 installed, the machine makes noise, but nothing turns on."
Dasha says,"Hi Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest]!"
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "HI all"
Gregor [to Dasha]: I've never used Win for workgroups, so I'm not sure of the
 details of how you'd use it.
Dasha says, "Miriam told me you enjoyed the cow."
Puzzled says, "Hi claire from michigan"
Dasha has no idea wither.
Dasha corrects either
Chrissy [Guest] says, "Hi, Claire."
Gregor greets Santa Claire warmly.
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "check out our holiday website at
 http://www-personal.umich.edu/~msiskin"
Dasha makes a note
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "My husband and I made it. It's
 nondenominational"
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "Yes I love the cow!"
Gregor [to Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest]]: I've only got text-based access from
 home... will it be up for awhile?
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "the cow says Let's schmooze"
Gregor [to Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest]]: Wow, cool!
Dasha [to Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest]]: perfect for someone at MOO U.
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "exactly"
Dasha [to Gregor]: Should I send you one?
Gregor says, "What is it, a stuffed animal or a picture or what?"
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "our holiday website will be up until at
 least January 6 and probably longer."
Dasha says, "a small stuffed cow in a box"
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "it is a stuffed animal"
Chrissy [Guest] cuts and pastes what Claire just mentioned about her web site.
Gregor says, "I'd love to get one for Mehitabel."
Dasha wants an address.
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "will she be at TESOL?"
Gregor [to Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest]]: Yeah, she will.
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "Dasha, do you know where Miriam got it?
 maybe we could bring her one."
Dasha bought it.
Dasha has all the cows
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "You did!!! where?"
Dasha went to MOO U. too.
Gregor . o O ( Dasha is the Cow Queen! )
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "aha"
Dasha says, "There's a small shop near here.  I'll get some more!"
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "great"
Dasha punches Gregor
Gregor grrins. "Cool."
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "don't punch him. He's my bud"
Dasha [to Gregor]: HOw many do you want?
Gregor [to Dasha]: I meant it in a good way, you know.
Dasha [to Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest]]: I think he'll live
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "oh, the cow queen bit"
Gregor says, "Just one, for Mehitabel. Let me know how much it is and I'll send
 you a check."
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "dasha, in my last workshop I USED you as
 an example"
Dasha says, "No, It's very small.  "
perimead [Guest] slides in, ready to NETwork.
Gregor says, "Hi, Perimead! Welcome!"
Dasha [to Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest]]: An example of what?  An addict?
Puzzled says, "hi perimead guest"
Puzzled has disconnected.
Dasha says,"Hi perimead [Guest]!"
Gregor says, "oops, Puzzled kicked his modem cord. :oP"
Chrissy [Guest] says, "Hi, perimead."
Gregor says, "BTW, Truna dropped off a christmas card for us here, since she
 couldn't make it today. type LOOK CARD"
There appears to be some writing on the note ...
Gregor says, "oops, I mean READ CARD"
There appears to be some writing on the note ...

Happy Xmas and a BRILLIANT New Year
Love from TRUNA

(You finish reading.)
Dasha says, "cute"
perimead [Guest] says, "Hi everyone!  Happy Holidays still to come!"
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "not at all. we were doing a needs
 assessment workshop for high school teachers -- in preparation for a workshop
 next summer. someone expressed concern about being able to do as one likes. I
 used you as an example of someone who latched onto MOOs and pretty much did
 what she liked for the rest of the week!!!"
Chrissy [Guest] says, "Thanks to Truna."
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "what a nice card!"
Gregor says, "I think we finally have a quorum here. I'm going to flash some
 slides up on the screen here to get this show on the road..."

Gregor puts a transparency on the screen:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

             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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dasha protests "I also won that coffee mug from Hypercard Heaven!
Gregor says, "(We'll pretend I put that one up at the beginning, ok?)"
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "whatever you say, gregor"
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "you can cut and paste and put that text at
 the begininng of the log on your web page! :-)"
Gregor says, "I thought this could be a good opportunity for people to find others
 who know what we need to know... a place to find informal mentors."
Chrissy [Guest] says, "Good idea, Claire."
Gregor winks at Claire. "Shh, don't tell my secrets. ;o)"
perimead [Guest] says, "Could someone tell me what to do to address someone
 invididually?"
Gregor [to perimead [Guest]]: Type a dash and the name and then the message,
 like this:   - peri Hi!
Chrissy [Guest] [to Gregor]: Hi!
Gregor [to perimead [Guest]]: try it!
Chrissy [Guest] [to Gregor]: It is good to learn new skill!
Gregor [to Chrissy [Guest]]: Absolutely!
perimead [Guest] says, " - Gregor I'm trying.  I have to give another exam
 soon so I won't be able to stay long."
Gregor [to perimead [Guest]]: THat's ok... Oh, and do it without the quote at
 the beginning.

Gregor puts a transparency on the screen:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      ***      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.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gregor is Greg Younger from the Economics Institute in Colorado.
Dasha is Diane Frangie from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
Chrissy [Guest] is a research student in U. of London, -- Christina.
perimead [Guest] says, "Perimead = Margaret Grant, San Francisco State
 University"
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "Claire from Michigan is Claire Bradin from
 Michigan State in East Lansing, Michigan."
Gregor . o O ( Good thing Claire is a lightning typist! ;o) )
Gregor grins.
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "huh"

Gregor puts a transparency on the screen:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    ***NETEACH-L Secret Santa Party***

 We're here at schMOOze for a variation of the "Secret Santa" party. You 
 were asked to bring a "stocking" and a "bag of goodies." The stocking is 
 a list of your professional needs, deficits in your techno-pedagogical
 knowledge. The bag of goodies is your repertoire of skills and tidbits
 you can share with another NETEACHer who's carrying around an appropriate
 empty stocking! Gregor will be wearing his Santa suit and helping to
 match up peer partners for professional development throughout the coming
 year. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "there aren't enough of us here to match
 things up"
Gregor says, "I know it, but we can toss some needs out and see if anyone bites."

Gregor puts a transparency on the screen:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Let's start by "hanging up our stockings." We can use the BLACKBOARD, 
   a feature of this virtual classroom, to facilitate this process. To add 
   a line of text to the blackboard, anyone can type:
                  writeb 
   For example, 
                  writeb Gregor needs lessons in advanced HTML

  To see what has been written, type:
                  look black  (or just L black)

         Go ahead and write your wishlist on the blackboard now.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chrissy [Guest] has a big size of stocking.
Gregor chuckles at Chrissy.
Gregor writes on the blackboard...
Gregor writes on the blackboard...
Gregor says, "See how to write on the board? Give it a shot..."
Dasha writes on the blackboard...
Chrissy [Guest] is taking down the notes that Gregor showed on the OHP ...
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] writes on the blackboard...
==================== BLACKBOARD ===========================

1)  Gregor needs lessons in advanced HTML
2)  Gregor admits that he actually needs low-intermediate help in HTML.
3)  Dasha needs to understand what the puny IBM clone at home can do, and if
 it is big enough to bother with.
4)  Claire needs 48-hour days to get everything done

===========================================================
Dasha writes on the blackboard...
Gregor [to Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest]]: Yoshi Awaji was trying to invent a
 way to create virtual hours as a programmed object in the MOO.. you should
 talk to him. ;o)
==================== BLACKBOARD ===========================

1)  Gregor needs lessons in advanced HTML
2)  Gregor admits that he actually needs low-intermediate help in HTML.
3)  Dasha needs to understand what the puny IBM clone at home can do, and if
 it is big enough to bother with.
4)  Claire needs 48-hour days to get everything done
5)  Dasha would also like to begin learning HTML

===========================================================
perimead [Guest] writes on the blackboard...
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "dasha and gregor, maybe you should use
 html editors instead of trying to learn it"
Gregor [to Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest]]: But I have to admit that's my most
 pressing need, too. Time. Geez.
Dasha has the one she already swiped form Claire, but now needs a free one for
 IBM labs
Gregor says, "Has anyone tried the RTF-->HTML freeware or shareware editors?"
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "yes. for Mac Web Weaver works pretty well"
Gregor says, "I'll have to look for it. Is it available on the web for
 downloading?"
Chrissy [Guest] shakes her head, "No, not me for RTF-->HTML freeware.  Sorry.
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "for a free one for IBM, try Hot metal"
perimead [Guest] writes on the blackboard...
==================== BLACKBOARD ===========================

1)  Gregor needs lessons in advanced HTML
2)  Gregor admits that he actually needs low-intermediate help in HTML.
3)  Dasha needs to understand what the puny IBM clone at home can do, and if
 it is big enough to bother with.
4)  Claire needs 48-hour days to get everything done
5)  Dasha would also like to begin learning HTML
6)  Perimead needs some help in fitting in computer time between other
 teaching tasks.
7)  Perimead worries about everything on the Web being so available to
 everyone.

===========================================================
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "why do you worry about availability,
 Perimead?"
Dasha is assigned to the labs with all IBMs, but it is on the network, hurray!
perimead [Guest] says, " - Claire.  Did you read that thing from Anthea
 Tillyer about maps to your house and stuff?"
Chrissy [Guest] asks the same question, "Yes, Perimead, why you worry about
 that?
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "yes I did. Certainly there are abuses. But
 in my experience they are fairly rare."
Gregor says, "I'm pretty sure enterprising people can find their way to my house,
 web or not."
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "My address is also in the East Lansing
 phone book, which also includes a map. Anyone who has that phone directory
 could also find my house. I don't quite  understand why people are so worried
 just becuase now the same information is available in a different medium."
Gregor writes on the blackboard...
Gregor nods. "I agree, Claire. I guess what makes people nervous is that now
 even lazy criminals could find you or something like that.
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] writes on the blackboard...
perimead [Guest] says, "Maybe I'm just old and nervous!"
Gregor writes on the blackboard...
==================== BLACKBOARD ===========================

1)  Gregor needs lessons in advanced HTML
2)  Gregor admits that he actually needs low-intermediate help in HTML.
3)  Dasha needs to understand what the puny IBM clone at home can do, and if
 it is big enough to bother with.
4)  Claire needs 48-hour days to get everything done
5)  Dasha would also like to begin learning HTML
6)  Perimead needs some help in fitting in computer time between other
 teaching tasks.
7)  Perimead worries about everything on the Web being so available to
 everyone.
8)  Gregor wonders if CALL types can get together, form a union or something,
 and get paid and appreciated (in both time and money! ;o)
9)  Claire believes that with respect to #8, it will never happen. You have to
 do CALL because you love it.
10)  Gregor does, fortunately. (or unfortunately?)

===========================================================
Gregor snickers.
Gregor [to Chrissy [Guest]]: Did you have anything you wanted to put up on the
 board?
Chrissy [Guest] [to Gregor]: Yes, I am reading the blackboard, and find myself
 need all the items
Chrissy [Guest] [to Gregor]: that everyone has mentioned them.
Gregor [to Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest]]: How did you learn html? Did you ever
 get lessons, or just sit down and start doing it?
Chrissy [Guest] [to Gregor]: I remember I collected some tutorial HTML.  If I
 happen find this out, I will forward you a copy.
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "Hmmm I don't know. I still don't really
 know it. I had no lessons. I used a bunch of different editors. That's what I
 still do. I will go look up a URL for you."
perimead [Guest] says, "One gift I have for my students this Christmas results
 from my responding to an e-mail message from someone in Ecuador.  I have
 combined information my studdents wanted to write about San Francisco and San
 Francisco State into a booklet "
Gregor [to Chrissy [Guest]]: Yeah, I have found some of those on the web.
 That's how I learned to put together what I needed for the neteach moo pages
 I made.
Chrissy [Guest] writes on the blackboard...
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "HTML Crash Course for Educators"
Gregor says, "I guess I realize that all the resources are available online. What
 would be nice would be to have someone in real life available to check my
 code, show me the little obvious things that you miss when you teach
 yourself, etc."
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "HTML Crash Course for Educators"
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "HTML Crash Course for Educators is at
 http://k12.cnidr.org:90/htmlintro.html. it is the clearest tutorial that I
 know of."
Gregor makes a note. "Thanks, Claire. I'll check it out."
Chrissy [Guest] [to Gregor]: BTW, Gregor, I found that the "mail to" link
 didn't work when I logged into your page and wanted to send you a message.
Gregor [to Chrissy [Guest]]: Which page?
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "have you all seen the announcement for the
 new journal on the web, Language Learning and Technology? If not, I'll give
 you the URL"
Chrissy [Guest] hurrily chops down the site address that Clair mentioned for
 HTML tutorial.
Gregor [to Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest]]: I saved that message. Sounds like a
 great project!
Dasha has seen it.
perimead [Guest] says, "Perimead too."
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "good"
Gregor says, "Oops, plumbers are here to install a gas line to our kitchen for the
 gas stove my parents are giving us for Christmas! I gotta run, floks..."
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "have you all gone to the site and
 subscribed? There's no cost or future obligation"

Gregor puts a transparency on the screen:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                              A REMINDER...

               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

             ******     Thanks for participating!     ******
                *****       Happy Holidays!!!       *****

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chrissy [Guest] [to Gregor]: I didn't remember.  I will take a note next time.
Gregor says, "Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, all that stuff! Bye all!"
Dasha doesn't believe this is the most interesting log...
Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest] says, "bye"
Gregor waves.
Dasha says, "Bye Chrissy [Guest], Gregor, Claire_from_MIchigan [Guest], and
 perimead [Guest]!"
Gregor jumps down a chute and disappears.