Introduction:
MUD object oriented (MOO) interfaces are virtual spaces with objects where people come to fraternize, dialogue and experience the environment. In this session, you will be introduced to different ways MOO's are being used in education, with an opportunity to visit a MOO. This web page offers definitions for several other uses multi user interfaces offered on the Internet along with linked sites.
Objective:
To define and distinguish the differences between the various kinds of dialog programs on the Internet, introduce some of the places (URL's) where they can be found, and to take a tour of one of them.
Definitions
Multimedia Virtual World Client:
Definitions:
MUD - Multi User Dungeon (Dimension). MUD's started as interactive adventure games similar to Dungeons and Dragons for the computer - but a version that could be played over the computer. MUD's have expanded from games to more social and some educational uses. In the late 1970s, hackers ported this game online. It was one of the first examples of computer networking. Simply by following text on your terminal screen, you could explore dark caves, fight dragons, and accumulate treasure. At key moments, you could choose between alternative actions. (Similar to some of the early Role Playing Games - RPG's - that Nintendo or Sega as published). Moreover, people at other terminals would be reading the same text as you were, at exactly the same time. They could respond to your actions with actions of their own. This allowed the game to be uncertain and open-ended. There didn't have to be a single goal, or one right way to get through a maze. The players became fictional characters, endowed with free will, and interacting with one another in a richly detailed fantasy world.
MUD's have now multiplied enormously with the growth of the Internet. It is not clear how many MUD's currently are in existence on the Internet. Some are small, but others seem to have quite a few players.
MOO - MUD Object Oriented. These are MUD's with a more programming focus on the "objects" that are within the virtual environment. These text-based realities can be like real time conferencing programs that offer a pseudo-physical dimension. Players talk in rooms, interact with objects within the "rooms" ranging from chairs, tables, slide projectors, to "bots" that are designed to interact with the player (could be a bartender - and animal, etc.) Some MOO's are geared for fun MediaMOO at MIT and others are designed specifically for collaboration and professional discussion.
MOO's can take a tremendous amount of time - some recommend that you spend approximately 15-30 hours in MOOing prior to ever bringing a class to one.(Galin, 1995) Other sources recommend a month to a semester of previous work prior to taking a class out to a MOO (see MOO Teacher's Tip Sheet).
MUSH - Multi User Shared Hallucination is basically a text based interfaced in which one may RolePlay with others. Think of it as a high tech version of the book based RPG's, or Role Playing Games. A MUSH is a program that exists somewhere on the net. It is in effect its own universe. MUSHes have specific themes, such as Star Wars or Camelot. People logged onto this MUSH roleplay as if they were a part of the specific MUSH's universe. MUSHes offer some distinct advantages over their book based counterparts, for example there is no need to purchase any books (although internet access IS somewhat of a must). Another advantage is the global aspect of the net, no matter what time it is, theres a good chance that someone,somewhere in the world wants to roleplay with you.
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at enagel@calvin.edu
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Last updated 11 June, 1997