How and why teach Semiotics on line

Abstract

Is that possible? Semiotic classes in web chats, with computers inside the classroom or on line? More than possible, it is productive, because it can turn the class into a written object, always accessible, and into questions about language and communication that can be developed by the class even out of the specific time of the class. This article discusses the teaching methodology in web chats, from the technical part, describing the tools used for creating virtual classrooms and presenting some virtual ambiances for on line teaching, to ways of adequating the virtual space of the web chats in order to maximize the interactive experience between teacher and students, as well as among the students themselves, considered as actants mainly in the cognitive dimension of the narrative. The class is taken to be a necessarily hierarchic experience between the actants, but, following the semiotics prerrogatives, this kind of hierarchy can be put forth as an active and reciprocal participation by either side. The assessment options and importance of on line resources are discussed in order to bring a communicative sense to the works undertaken. Also, the actantial roles are discussed in different classroom situations, from bricks-and-mortar classrooms to virtual classrooms. The result is an large participation of the students, who are conscious of their own active part on their performance and the responsability they share with the teacher.