LO: learning or teaching list? LO24443

From: Alternative Energy (ecospirit@mail.com)
Date: 04/25/00


Replying to LO24420 --

I like your idea Lon about creating a positive or constructive feedback
loop.

Mine would be how can we store some of the information shared here in a
way that can be used optimally? There are all sorts of useful links that
pop up, also sites of proud members themselves, as well as thoughts and
dialogues that get refined into very fine pieces of art, or solid plans
for action. I wonder if these could be stored in a way that newcomers and
"old hands" could both easily access?

My feeling is everyone on here is a sensitive and intelligent individual,
who is sincerely interested in the subject of learning organizations. I
wonder how we can grow this forum so all our different needs and learning
or personality styles can be better met?

Some things I would like:

 - Have a more interactive and colourful listserv (why not vision high,
then work backwards?)

 - Have better ways to store past information, so people don't have to
repeat themselves, yet newcomers don't feel foolish or troublesome because
they can't find the stuff.

 - Have ways to refine past information so it forms something concrete, if
people so choose (eg, an idea, a plan, or even an online book--collection
of poems or formulas).

 - Have live chat, so we can even engage in real-time discussions,
follow-up hot topics, or schedule new ones. Could notify and schedule
regular meeting times (few different ones to suit different time zones).
Perhaps when a person is enthused about a favourite topic, or when a
subject is HOT, those who have much passion for it can engage with each
other. Judging by the number of responses to Winfried Deijmann's posting
(LO: learning or teaching list?), there are clearly quite a few who's
visions or needs aren't being met, or are standing to one side for other
reasons. Personally, I regret now that through the number of feisty
responses (mine included!), others may now feel their contributions were
devalued, or may even feel hurt or offended. Sorry.

As Lon suggested, could we search-conference the type of LO listserv we
want? Perhaps both in physical reality and intangibles like respect, space
for personal sharing, practical meetings, etc? Nowadays, it seems there
are a few sites that host group listservs with many handy features and the
Moderator has even more individual control features, which are very useful
(eg, www.egroup.com, www.topica.com).

 ----

I'm also grateful to Harriet for comments in defense of students as
"novice researchers". Sometimes, it's hard to know what's the 'level' on
this LO listserv. I don't want to waste people's time, yet at the same
time, there is a great deal of opportunity here for fertile sharing. By
teaching someone like me, others may learn too, and possibly even the one
doing the teaching. Our universe is all about mutuality.

Yes, I'm known to be lazy, but I kind of subscribe to Rudolf Steiner's
view that true teaching and true learning can never be boring! No I'm not
much of a researcher, in the traditional sense. Why is it that everyone in
post-secondary school must be forced into this way of learning? Yes, it's
good discipline, but I'll come to that stage when I'm so inclined--when my
learning so inspires me that I must find out more, MORE! No matter what,
I'd still be incredibly eclectic, as I tend to learn from (and hence,
reference) whatever's available: internet sites, listserv postings,
videos, magazines, pictures, personal experience, etc.

Thanks and warmest wishes!
Lana Choi

"Learning is finding out what you already know.
Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is
reminding others that they know just as well as you.
You are all learners, doers, teachers."

- Richard Bach, author of "Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah"

-- 

Alternative Energy <ecospirit@mail.com>

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