Differentiating Medium from Mission
A statement was made in the Google Group for my Faciltating Online Communities course which I think is worth discussing here. In the context of “what is an online community”, Olubodun Olufemi writes:
“I am not comfortable with describing [online communities] as virtual like some do, I rather think they are real but different in the medium that connects them.”
This statement is significant for several reasons, and relates to how online communities are viewed, their assumed function and role, the value (or lack thereof) they are afforded, and the degree of consideration given to them.
First and foremost there is the notion of the place and role of the technology relative to the community. Whether consciously or not, many people view online interaction and discussion as somehow different - or worse still, superior or inferior - to that which occurs offline. In reality, as Olufemi points out, it is just the medium that’s different.
Significantly this misperception leads to a false distinction in which online activities are treated differently from offline ones, and the two are seen to have different core objectives. Emphasis becomes placed on “eLearning” or “Blended Learning” as opposed to just learning. This serves only to distract from the core learning processes by placing the medium ahead of the mission, and in some ways assigning it more significance than it actually has. In the context of education, the ultimate focal point should be on the learning process itself; not where or how the learning takes place.
In the same way that a classroom, library lawn or coffee shop provides a physical space within which student interaction can take place, so too does an online application do the same. Both carry with them their own opportunities and challenges and must ultimately be selected based on their ability to facilitate the core objectives and activities of the community.
While the demographics of a community - including geographic, social-political, or policy constraints or those of technical expertise - will dictate the approach taken in facilitating interaction, it is critical to realise the distinction between a logistical consideration, and a core community objectives. The objectives and mission should be adhered to regardless of location, be it online or offline.
It’s the shared values, goals and/or mission that makes a community, not the space within which they congregate.
Wednesday, August 6th, 2008