In a MOO just the opposite happens, creating a more successful, interactive classroom that helps teachers observe more about how their students think and why. Instead, students must be given a specific topic, focus, or goal that guides the MOO, but does not direct it. Authority remains an issue in every MOO where the teacher participates. If the teacher takes on the role of a friend or a classmate, the sessions will result in more provocative and truthful discussions. Teachers can maximize the MOO's capabilities by having guests participate in a class MOO session.
Students can talk to a prominent scholar or activist without being intimidated.
Moreover, in the MOO students can ask questions and express opinions that they would not if the person were physically present. In a MOO that I participated in, I approached Professor Unsworth and discussed issues such as false identities, technology in the classroom, and the definition of hypertext. This sort of interaction may not occur in person because some students treat professors with a certain degree of decorum, respect, and fear. As some teachers have found, class interaction over the Internet creates a good working environment where students enjoy the learning process. The MOO helped me get over the fear of college and immersed me in discussions about technology with experts.