Another way to inform and support is to create a Community of Practice (COP). As long as the internet has been around, there have been COPs. Sometimes these were accomplished using listserves. A local or national group would create a listserve and invite people they know to join. In the last few years COPs have migrated to sites like Ning! The T A and D Network, a network of programs funded by OSEP has had COPs for some time and is now using a Ning site as well (You can see more on OSEP here or here). To operate a COP like the one used by TADNET, requires paying the fees required by Ning! and hoping that folks can find your COP, or you can simply join TADNET.
Another way to get the benefits of a COP is to join LinkedIn. LinkedIn can connect professionals to dozens of other professionals across the country for free (there is a paid version, but the free version is pretty robust). Unlike Facebook, the vast majority of posts are about professional topics. Users can create their own profile, using their resume and sharing everything or just highlights of their experience. The owner of a discussion group can determine whether the group is open to all LinkedIn users or if users must be first approved.
Ways to Use a Discussion Group
- Support new and experienced early intervention professionals
- Provide informational and emotional support
- Create a safe place to strategize and explore policy and practice questions
- Create a cohesive community that is self-sustaining
I've set up a Group, Now What?
First, I would argue that it is not always necessary to create your own group, you can often join an existing group. The advantage of joining a group is that there is already an existing group. Creating and maintaining a group can be a lot of work. If you choose this route, be prepared. Jane Bozarth, an expert on using social media for training, suggests that you have at least 12 months of content before you embark. Additionally, you will have to be diligent about starting and maintaining the conversation.
What groups do you participate in on LinkedIn? Do you start threads or just respond to threads started by others.
ReplyDeleteI am a member of a few groups. Some are devoted to social media and e-learning, others are devoted to special education, early intervention or early childhood. Some of the groups have lots of posts, while others are fairly quiet.
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