Role engagement and anonymity in synchronous online role play

Authors

  • Sarah Cornelius University of Aberdeen
  • Carole Gordon University of Aberdeen
  • Margaret Harris University of Aberdeen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v12i5.923

Keywords:

online role play, context, anonymity, role engagement, authenticity

Abstract

Role play activities provide opportunities for learners to adopt unfamiliar roles, engage in interactions with others, and get involved in realistic tasks. They are often recommended to foster the development of soft skills and a wider perspective of the world. Such activities are widely used as an online teaching approach, with examples ranging from the simple use of email to the employment of virtual worlds and Web 2.0 technologies.

This paper provides a case study of a role play activity which employs real-time anonymous discussion forums and aims to improve our understanding of effective role play and the impact of anonymity. This role play has been effective in educating learners about different perspectives on the issue of Quality in Further Education. The context and implementation of the role play are outlined, and the learners’ interactions and experiences are explored using an investigative analysis of discussion transcripts and semi-structured interviews with participants. The findings suggest that role engagement and anonymity are important components for success in synchronous online role play. Evidence is presented that provides an insight into the factors which encourage role engagement, including prior experiences and contributions from peers. The impact of anonymity is also explored since many participants did not regard the study environment as real and attempted to identify their peers.

 

Author Biographies

Sarah Cornelius, University of Aberdeen

Lecturer, School of Eduction, University of Aberdeen Interests in Post-compulsory education and online learning and teaching

Carole Gordon, University of Aberdeen

Lecturer, School of Education, University of Aberdeen

Margaret Harris, University of Aberdeen

Senior Teaching Fellow, School of Education, University of Aberdeen

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Published

2011-06-29

How to Cite

Cornelius, S., Gordon, C., & Harris, M. (2011). Role engagement and anonymity in synchronous online role play. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 12(5), 57–73. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v12i5.923

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 5 (2011)

Section

Research Articles

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