Peggy Schultz tried to send this messge to the list-serv several hours ago, but our e-mail system appears to have crashed. I'm trying again, as will Liz Rykert from outside of OPC. Peggy has asked some important questions about how we will communicate, to listen and hear using the technology. Now if only we could get our system to help us do it! - Alison <[log in to unmask]> _____________________________ Friday, June 28, 1996 1:38PM First of all - good luck, to our facilitators, Alison Stirling and Liz Rykert as they soon head to the CPHA conference in Vancouver to deliver their workshop on computer-mediated communication (CMC) in health promotion. I found myself identifying with much of JM Dupont's discussion about virtual and real time - especially as it relates to the discussions of this list-serv. I wonder if "time" is the issue or whether the discussion topics have limited relevance to participants, since the volume of response seems to have lessened. But if we, as health promoters, are to consider our place as "knowledge workers" - to become more "intelligent and responsive" we need to be able to have meaningful conversations via computer. How do we know or, ensure that there is listening and understanding (much of which we have to do as health promoters - but often face-to-face etc). How do we pay attention to what is not spoken ? I think this will take practice (as does dialogue in the real world) and I still assume there is a powerful vehicle here which health promoters can take into the 21st century . I think that is the challenge - that we must figure out how to use this technology with its potential - rather than being swept along by it. Sam Lafranco's work helps to bring focus to this "transforming" capacity through the use of virtual space. The technology can amplify the opportunity or it can reflect the dysfunctional patterns. Health promoters will, live, work and communicate in the virtual and real world. AND, then there is the question of access and equity in cyberspace...this is not assured and I will end here. Peggy Schultz [log in to unmask]