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Engaging in on-line dialogue
Some key international issues
The linked section on ‘The Overview of Professional Issues’ discusses some issues identified as relevant to the professional guidance community, both in the UK and overseas. These include matters relating to the rationale for guidance, evidence, delivery, resourcing and leadership.
International Discussion platforms
The linked section on ‘International Professional Bodies’ acts as a directory of addresses for a wide range of organisations involved in guidance issues. The directory is far from complete and users of this service are invited to contribute to the development of the directory, through informing the Centre for Guidance Studies of additional contact details.
Virtual or on-line communications for networking and communications has been especially advocated for women and minority groups (see Knouse & Webb, 2001). They suggest that websites, e-mail, chat rooms and other Internet resources may improve networks in terms of size, diversity and strength.
For on-line or at-a-distance conferencing, David Skyrme of Digital devised a list of tips for success, as summarised in box 5.
- Introduce on-line conferencing in a way that is appropriate to your organisational culture.
- Select a task which fulfils a real need. Be prepared to act opportunistically and creatively.
- Choose topics which are most suited to the electronic environment – those that:
- Need diversity of input, such as problem-solving
- Are important but not urgent
- Would otherwise be suited to a series of meetings.
- Provide something to motivate individuals to participate – it must be relevant to their work and their interest.
- Identify a suitable core group.
- Provide some initial training, documentation and support.
- Define clearly the nature and scope of the conference.
- Invite members to enter their background, mailing details and expectations in a ‘Who’s Who’ note.
- Have an active organiser and good moderator to:
- Get things moving
- Manage the time
- Keep the group focused
- Create links
- Encourage interaction
- Start small and grow – do not over-manage.
- Be practical, patient and philosophical.
Box 5: Tips for successful computer conferencing (from Skyrme, 1989)
This section of the NGRF has been devised to help the guidance community focus on issues relevant to networking, especially within an international dimension. The purpose and advantages of networking, with advantages for all involved, cultural issues and some tips for successful networking have been presented. Partnership-building, through finding partners and accessing funding for projects has been discussed, together with some advice on showcasing work and successful computer-conferencing. The site is under continual review, so your feedback on any of the above will be appreciated and contributions to the directory for international contacts will ensure that the community links continue to grow.
Last cached: 2008-09-02 01:30 PM