Reflections

"describe how you have made progress on what you wanted to learn and your readiness to facilitate your networks, both from a technical and process standpoint. Reflect on the experience of being part of this learning community."

Process
I wanted to learn the mechanics of managing an online community. I suppose I was looking for pointers but I got so much more. From a process standpoint, I am a whole lot more ready to facilitate a network than when I started. I probably wouldn’t have even understood the question prior to this workshop. The process of understanding the sequential steps required to successfully initiate and facilitate an online community/workshop has been very rewarding and beneficial. I now know that issues of trust are just as important or even more so online than FTF. The entire process of learning that took place over the past few weeks has left me with a strong sense of "I can do this." I deeply appreciate the human inventiveness required and the absolute need to forge strong relationships to make online experiences work.

Technology
From a technical standpoint, I have a very good idea what is required but this is where I will need excellent support systems (read people) to make this a functional reality. The major benefit of this workshop from a technical standpoint has been the quantum leaps I experienced in technology usage (blogs, d-groups, portable software etc) and the sheer appreciation of what is required to mount such an exercise. Some demystifying has taken place and this is always a useful experience – technologically speaking. In formulating the inauguration of a future online group, I can certainly specify what is required and be able to assess the quality of the support systems provided.

The interaction
The actual online experience has been very rich. Interacting with my colleagues whom I know and others, in a structured online forum has been a very interesting experience. I looked forward to it and was glad to be able to contribute to the discussions. I am anxious to move to the next steps when we put all that we have learnt into practice. The workshop has also helped me to understand that we always need to be realistic about our online expectations. What I am really saying is that running the small ruminants network will still require hard work and dedication. The difference now is that the skills we have acquired will give us a greater chance of successfully navigating the course. This makes all the difference in the world.

Of Norms and Agreements

The minimum set of written rules is what I would like to see work in our online community. I like the idea of the facilitator role-modelling the ‘rules’ as much as possible and I agree that this is perhaps the most powerful tool. I believe that we can mange fairly well on a basic set of rules of engagement:

• No SHOUTING or use of ‘improper’ language
• Disagree amicably
• Limit personal responses to the intended recipient only
• Respect the persons in the community (expressed in the manner of writing)
• Respect the role of the facilitator

The other issues related to intellectual property, privacy and institutional norms can be easily sorted out. I doubt that this is where most of the problems associated with online interaction will arise. These are the sort of things that can be placed in an agreement clause (click if you accept) and form part of the formal signing up procedure. The other more day-to-day human interaction matters will need reinforcement from time to time. Gentle reminders and strong role modelling should be adequate.

I decided to start the assessment process - its actually less about self assessment and more about the qualities I think a good facilitator should have, as well as some general comments. I didn't want to complete the whole thing then to learn that I had gone down the wrong road completely...So I will await some feedback

Knowledge of Self (personal qualities)

Accepting of others, hold others with unconditional positive regard

This is a very important quality provided that it is not taken to the extreme. Should work well for starters but should be adjusted according to experience. Good judgement must never be sacrificed at the altar of political correctness. Having said that, this is probably an invaluable tool online, since everyone needs to feel accepted if they are going to participate freely

Authentic, congruent, honest ... e.g. walks his/her talk

Important qualities always. It is not immediately apparent why this should be important online but I rather suspect that even this cannot be masked indefinitely. Online behaviour is probably as good an indicator of character as FTF (my thoughts are evolving as I engage).

Caring, compassionate

I don’t think this one is too crucial. The facilitator can be completely impartial (cares nothing about the subject) and still do a good job. This of course has nothing to do with the requirement to treat people well.

Charismatic (how? When is appropriate?)

If this comes across as excitement about the online experience – all well and good because this is precisely what is needed to help the process of effective online interaction

Conceptual and systemic thinking (to put it all together)

An absolute requirement! Don’t leave home without it

Concern for quality (and being able to describe it)

Just as important as the one above – I think that facilitators should always seek to add value as well as raise the standard of the discussion if required. No point presiding over mediocrity.

Empathetic ...the ability to see the situation as the other sees it

Another vital requirement but probably harder to do online where perspective may be more difficult to detect. The facilitator that can master this will be in great demand.

Flexibility, versatility (ability to switch gears at the last moment)

Another very important quality. I get the sense that the online experience is very unpredictable (the best laid plans of mice and men…) and facilitators need to be very flexible.

Inspirational

Yes, definitely, enthusiasm rubs off – even online

Objective/neutral (no vested interest in one solution over another)

To the extent that participants detect that the facilitator has a vested interest, is the extent to which he/she will become ineffective

Open to self-growth

The facilitator’s ability to learn from the online experience that he/she is facilitating is an important determinant of that person’s humility. This too is a valuable quality online as well as FTF

Self knowledge and awareness (strengths, weaknesses, ego, impact on others)

Always difficult to gauge. Honest feedback from friends will help

Aware of quiet participants

Yes, of course. I was intrigued when Claudette revealed that you had contacted her regarding her participation – I had not seen her online for a while. I also imagine that you must have been in contact with others also. For instance, I have not seen hide nor hair of Pathleen Titus for quite some time…its good to know that facilitators would continue to engage these persons in order to encourage participation.

Sense of when to stay quiet

May be just as important as FTF meetings. You don’t want to wonder if the facilitator has abandoned the job.

Tolerance for ambiguity

Essential online quality. You never want to appear impatient.

Knowledge Base (knows/skilled in...)

Adult learning principles

I am deficient in this area but I believe that knowledge here would go a long way towards equipping the facilitator with vital skills

Communication styles

Knowledge of this area would be useful also, as it would limit misunderstandings and unnecessary confrontations. I need to appreciate this skill more.

Cultural competency

Important, no Islamic jokes when facilitating a discussion group from Pakistan – very important area

Group and interpersonal dynamics

This section seems to deal with essential courses for the online facilitator. This is a particularly important area of scholarship that every facilitator needs to learn. I am not competent in this area but would like to develop the skills

Group facilitation

An absolute requirement – I am learning

Knowledge of/assessment of audience

This needs to be learned quickly. You want the sense that the facilitator is at least familiar with the group and the issues raised – this will build confidence very quickly

Learning styles

Different strokes for different folks is the important lesson that must be learnt. This knowledge will be of immense value to the online facilitator

Subject/content matter expertise

Might not be useful. We tend to think that it is but then I think the facilitator would be too tempted to sway the group in a particular direction.

Teaching/training

Very useful skills to have. However expert the group is in its own discipline, there is still lots to learn about online interaction. A good facilitator will be able to teach/train during the online experience

I missed one day and became inundated with the sheer volume of mail in my inbox. Tragically, I cannot promise that it will never happen again. Consequently, I have set some very modest learning goals which include keeping my inbox clear by reading everything that is thrown at me. I am so glad for the break Nancy but I rather suspect that it won't last. So far the workshop has exceeded my expectations - like Cyril, I didn't run headlong into participation - but I do believe that it will prove to be very useful. It demonstrates very clearly that training is useful in almost every area of life and we cannot take people for granted who are skilled in online group facilitation - it is a discipline in itself. I had never heard of it before this workshop!

Purpose Checklist

Purpose/Outcome
What is the desired outcome for the group? What is the INTENT?

This group can be called the Caribbean Food Safety Initiative (CAFSIN) and would come together to formulate credible responses to the global economic, trade and environmental challenges facing small island developing states. It would exist solely to transform Caribbean agriculture from farm based production systems to people-centred (consumers) enterprises.

• Does it have a mission or a vision that you can communicate to potential members?
• The mission is to deliver safe food to the final consumer at an affordable price, without compromising environmental integrity, by the effective use of agricultural research and development interventions.
• Are the benefits measurable and visible to members and potential members?
• Benefits include better resource management because of information exchange
• Is the outcome determined by the organizer? Group members? Both?
• Outcomes will be determined by both. Members of this group will also be implementers with integral roles to play in project execution
• If the group is part of a larger organization, is it consistent with organizational goals and culture?
• This is a prerequisite for group formation. It would avoid working at cross purposes, since strong relationships based upon mutual goals (members and organizations) will be the springboard for future action
• Is the group's purpose something that can only be done/accomplished online? Will it replace something offline? Or is it some combination?
• It will be a combination. Online sessions will be used to establish the platform and agree on the mandate. FTF sessions will be used to cement relationships and monitor and evaluate project implementation

Target Audience
What kinds of participants (target audience) do you want to draw in or need to participate?

• How would you describe them?
• Agricultural stakeholders, food safety experts and natural resource managers
• What is the gender, professional, linguistic, cultural make up of the group?
• Both sexes will be involved. Participants will normally be university graduates with competence in the English language and a combination of skills in agriculture, economics, human development, natural resource management, rural development and food safety.
• How motivated are your participants to participate? What is "in it for them?"
• The opportunity to be change agents in the transformation of regional agriculture from farmer based to consumer based. To participate in the evolution of a system that promotes consumer rights and environmental protection in the context of Caribbean agriculture
• Do they have adequate computer equipment and Internet access to have a satisfactory experience on your system? Do you tell them the minimum requirements up front?
• Everyone will have e-mail and as this system demonstrates…that is almost perfect. At this stage, the only requirement would be a valid e-mail address
• Do you want your community to be public or private? If private, what determines eligibility?
• Definitely public. There are persons working in the region that may belong to international organizations and therefore equipped with a fresh perspective on local problems…they may be transient or may have left the region already…they can still contribute.
• What is the ideal size for your group? Is there a limit to how many members can participate? Do you have a sense of how your community can expand if there is greater interest?
• I haven’t really thought of an ideal size but I would say a manageable number would be no more than 25. Perhaps after the end of this course that number may be revised. Public groups are always likely to expand I suppose, but I have not yet considered a way to manage this properly
• Where might you find potential participants?
• Right here in the region in CARDI, ministries of agriculture, ministries of the environment etc.
• How might you communicate with your participants to market your online interaction space? (Remember: If you build it, they may not come!)
• I believe there are already a core group of people committed to the ideals articulated here. Starting with this group (I am already in touch with the core) it should not be too difficult to generate momentum, which hopefully would draw others in. Personal communication from group members will be a primary tool used to spread the word.
• Are you building from an existing pool of participants? Or drawing in new people?
• Building from an existing pool. I imagine this will be far easier.

Type of Member Interactions
What kinds of discussions/interactions do you want to foster?

• Are they more like ongoing discussions or question & answer?
• Both. Initially lots of Q&As as we settle issues of purpose and how to achieve it. Then lots of discussion on the mechanisms, including funding etc.
• Are they focused or wide-ranging?
• Very focused.
• Are they started by you or by the members?
• Both
• Are they intellectual? Social? Sensitive? Controversial?
• The issues are technical in nature but with substantial socio-economic significance
• Are they focused around information such as documents or other static content?
• They will be focused around ideas generated from historical documents to some degree but will primarily be seeking to respond to the current environment. Innovation will be a key discussion issue.
• Will they generate content/knowledge that needs to be captured?
• Absolutely
• Do they need synchronous (same time) and/or asynchronous (different time) interactions?
• Synchronous interactions online will not be necessary. There will however be the need for FTF meetings

Time Frame
How long do you want the online interaction to last?

• Are there specific timelines or a project to be accomplished?
• The initial discussion should last about 6 months, with a fully developed project by the end of year 1
• Is it an ongoing online interaction space for conversation?
• Yes – relationship building will be a key component of this group.
• Is it time delimited?
• It is anticipated that there will be some deadlines, especially during the project development phase.

Guidelines, Rules and Governance
What kind of rules or governance do you want for your online interaction space?

• Will there be strong and defined rules, or more general and/or casual guidelines?
• Strong and well-defined rules are preferred
• How will you communicate this to your members?
• Everyone desirous of joining will be sent a ‘package’ that will include the rules of engagement.
• Will there be problem resolution processes? How will you share that process?
• Yes, important to defuse issues even before they arise. This too would be included in the initiation ‘package’
• If this is a work team, what processes and agreements will you need?
• Might need to have co-facilitators functioning as team leaders for the various threads (project components) so that some people will have more responsibility than others to research and suggest possible outcomes. Agreements at the onset to accept such a protocol will be necessary.
• Do members have to agree to a "Terms of Service" or other form of agreement before becoming members?
• No, except for the rules of engagement

Who makes decisions in the community about the online interaction space?

• The online interaction space owner?
• The members?
• Both?
• How?
• Both…in the form of suggestions. We might want to develop a virtual suggestion box for the express purpose of IMPROVING the online experience. Decisions can then be arrived at by online consensus – voting might work with some issues. Executive fiat may be required on some matters. Each issue will generate its own decision making flavour – case by case basis

Who will host or facilitate in your online interaction space?

• If not you, how will the hosts/facilitators be trained?
• I will or depending upon the group focus – then it might be Francis Asiedu, in which case I would be happy to be a co-facilitator or a member
• What will be their responsibilities?
• To make the process of interaction easy and efficient. The requirement will be for maintaining the discussion flow towards the ultimate objectives agreed by the group. Will also be responsible for summaries and information harvesting
• How will they be supported and/or compensated?
• Should be given a laptop computer and lots of encouragement
• What kind of reporting will you have them do to monitor as needed?
• Should provide weekly, quarterly and monthly reports ☺. Summaries are crucial, trend indicators helpful and even suggestions about the future direction of the discussions would be useful