Hello all,
In the spirit of Theresa's message, I'll share some thoughts on learning
community:
>
>I think the directness is more appropriate in a situation where there is a
group with equal participation and where perceptions of power are more
equal. Its the, "well I'm not going to speak out - if thats how someone
might respond to me" thing.
>
Perhaps, but the level of comfort on this list seems to be far higher than
that I have/do experience on other lists. A health policy list that started
about three months ago experienced fast & furious growth -- 50-60
messages/day -- but nearly died because one individual responded to everyone
(10-15 messages/day from him alone) in a way that was interpreted as
antagonistic and hostile. He left the list about 6 weeks ago, and it's now
down to 2-3 messages/day...the sense of withdrawal is apparent, and some
have even suggested cancelling it entirely. Very sad for a group that gained
180 members in 3 weeks. I'm glad I don't have to don flame-retardant
underwear and sit 10 feet away from the computer when I open the CLICK4HP
digest!

Participating also seems awkward at first because one has to get used to
reading one's own messages. Can you imagine leaving a message on a friend's
telephone answering machine, then hearing it when you play the messages on
your own machine? Conversing on a list, even with people we trust and
respect, is an experience unlike any other form of communication. Let's not
underestimate the "comfort curve" associated with electronic communication.

>One last issue, that I think limits participation is the membership itself.
>Gee wiz, there are some pretty brilliant and influential readers out there!

But not only because of who is "out there"...but because of who is "in
here." My areas of expertise (and I use the term loosely) are corporate
health promotion, exercise programming, and special populations, HIV+
individuals in particular. So while I am very interested in the discussions
about research methodology and practice, there have been few topics I could
address.

>Anyway - I think the concept of a learning community is a rich one - I don't
>think we are one yet...
>
Maybe not, but I "hear" a lot of evidence that points to the development of
the trust, honesty, and respect that Eberhard Wenzel spoke of in response to
your posting.

Regards,
cp

Carolyn Petersen
Graduate Assistant
International Institute for Sport & Human Performance
1243 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1243
phone 541/346-0932              fax 541/346-0935
e-mail [log in to unmask]