What is a MOO?
MOO stands for MultiUserDomain (or Dimension or Dungeon) Object Oriented. Basically, multiple users can log into a site to converse in a text-based virtual reality. They can also interact with objects (teaching tools that can be built and programmed to respond). MOOs are internet accessible, text-mediated, programmable virtual environments well-suited for distance learning and collaboration. MOOs offer every participant the opportunity to construct spaces and objects and to write code that in some way augments or increases the functionality with these virtual spaces. In this sense, MOOs are constructed social spaces in a dynamic process of continual evolution. For users, MOOs can be described as constellations of spaces, or “rooms,” within which multiple individuals can congregate and interact. Movement is possible room to room, by typing in cardinal directions, or via “teleporting,” which allows immediate transport to rooms not adjacent to one’s present location.
