>From: Diane Rumely <derumley@postoffice.utas.edu.au>
>
>Research Proposal: Electronic Learning Communities
>Notice of intention to subscribe to this list for research purposes.
>
>Dear List members,
>
>This email has been posted with the support of your listowner. We work at
>the Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia, University of
>Tasmania, Australia. We have an interest in email discussion groups and
>what makes them effective as a forum for learning and information
>exchange. Email is becoming an increasingly important tool, for business,
>for community and also for people who may be isolated for a range of
>reasons. We would like to "listen in" to your conversations for up to a
>month if this is acceptable to you.
Wow, what an opportunity! We have a thread on the list concerning
measurement, its efficacy, and its effects. I wonder whether our behavior
will change knowing that we are being studied? Will we respond as the
thread has discussed?
With the history of this list available we have a baseline of behavior
while not being observed for analysis. We now have notice of being
observed and this period could be compared with the baseline.
Perhaps there is a third phase that could be tried. What if the Centre
for Research and Learning could note a learning event and publish their
observation. Or if some post indicated a change in opinion the Centre
could inquire into the change. How would this participation change our
behavior.
Most of what is above is said very much tongue in cheek. Welcome to the
LO list. I hope that you are aware that Rick has a large role in
maintaining this learning community. His gentle reminders to those of us
who are a bit too strong at times is very much a part of the trust that
allows speaking from the heart. I think that Rick's gentle guidance,
almost always given privately, should very much be input into your study.
I for one would like to know what your research concludes.
G'day
--"William J. Hobler, Jr" <bhobler@worldnet.att.net>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>