Dear all
What online behaviours should be encouraged within Internet-resourced learning programmes? I'd value the advice, experience and any research outcomes from members of the list, privately and as an online point of discussion.
For our Global Doctoral set, Vice Presidents and Directors of Companies, Principals and Consultants, topics of conversation vary - educational experience sharing, research tips, readings, access to each other's network, etc, through to social (journey to work being a hot topic!). The Global Doctorate is not password prtoected and can be viewed from:
http://www.imc.org.uk/imc/globaldox.htm
IMC Principal Dr Gordon Wills has developed 10 Golden Rules of Cyberset Behaviour for the Marriott Virtual University. They appear to have general application and potentially very useful to all using the Internet within IMC qualification programmes. I am currently revisitng them. They are:
1.. Associates and Faculty must log on to their Web Forum at least once per week. Share your successes and frustrations, converse, debate both sides of a question.
2.. All Associates are expected to comment helpfully on all the postings made by all fellow Associates because the collective knowledge and expertise within the Set will normally be well in excess of what the Faculty can contribute. Do not be afraid of expressing your views or opinions or sharing experience and knowledge. Making mistakes is absolutely acceptable. You will get constructive advice back.
3.. Each Associate is expected to have a most particular concern for two other Associates ('buddies') and one of the assignments for each Associate, earning a major share of all the marks, is devoted to how 'other Associates' action learning studies have evolved and proceeded. Get to know your buddies as 'Cyberfolk'.
4.. 'Flaming' or 'Web Rage' must be avoided on the Internet, and if ever you are tempted, think again. If you feel offended against, be extra-polite in response.
5.. The Virtual Library accessible from your Global Industry and Knowledge Forums must be used for all assignment, because you have to demonstrate that in addressing your own issues you have an understanding of what others have thought and done before.
6.. Your Programme Manager, Set Adviser, Faculty and Supervisor are all participating in the Web Forum as well as all Associates so do ask their advice.
7.. Humour and non-work related postings are actually known to be constructive over the months, so indulge yourself. But keep them to no more than 10% of the total.
8.. Never blame the technology because it is blameless per se. If something is not working we all need to fix it.
9.. Expect and demand timeous and good quality feedback from IMC Oxford Brookes University in the Forum. Expect the ISO 9002 Quality Protocols to be adhered to by the Programme Manager and reciprocate fully.
10.. Explore the wealth of knowledge available at the IMC Oxford Brookes site and its myriad lateral hyperlinks.
Many thanks for your help.
Eric Sandelands
International Management Centres
