Unit 1 Assignments
(click to review the study assignments and responses)
Response:
"The Value of Professional Development"
It has
been my experience in over twelve years of strong computer experience
— with six of those years on the Internet — that perhaps the "best
that can be had," in Internet terms, falls in the arena of Professional
Development. Out of the four reasons listed, for taking a nonprofit business
online, Professional Development is the strongest reason. In my opinion, this
actually controls the other three reasons listed.
In the text description, it is given that professional development allows the
nonprofit professional to "share, learn, and acquire information to
become better nonprofit staff and managers." This is true in any given
situation — in the brick-and-mortar world, or in the Online reaches. With
the Internet as the medium, however, people soon realize the tremendous
power that has been given to them, for accelerating their grasp of skills
and knowledge.
Also, the communication mode is very different from in-person
meetings. The absence of traditional limitations and social barriers in the
online world, quickly leads to stronger bonds between people. As the trust
factor is established in such a vast setting of pure knowledge, professional
peers find that they learn more quickly ... and they learn MORE. I believe that
the heightened sense of personalization in human contact, and thus the higher
trust factor that is found in online transactions, are the main reasons that
professional development plays such a strong part in Internet success.
In my own observations, I've seen that people are intimidated and even fearful
of the new technologies. Over the years, however, I've seen hundreds not only
come to terms with the fear, but once the initial fear has been dealt with —
then the accomplishments are that much more meaningful! People soon realize what
the online setting can do for them. It not only massively expands "their
world," it expands their way of thinking. It isn't so much that there is
MORE information (sometimes, TOO much!), but it's that they absorb and USE the
information differently. For people in nonprofit areas, this is especially
essential, as this different mindset usually has very much to do with a more
global and caring quality.
The essence of the Internet is not just that of high knowledge, it is that it
contains very nearly the totality of human knowledge — from every corner of
the global village. What is important to a child in mid-Africa, can now be made
known on a worldwide basis, with acknowledgement and solutions put into action
very, very quickly. For me, this means that agencies and individuals who deal
daily with issues and solutions, will be able to perform their jobs much more
efficiently. The feedback and the rewards come much more quickly.
The main reason that I believe that professional development heads the list of the
four reasons given is that it molds and massages the other three. Without a grasp
of even basic technologies — much of it gleaned from professional peers —
improved communications (reason #1) cannot be achieved. The same holds true for
better access to information (reason #2). The Internet DOES contain vast resources.
But, if this information cannot be had, for lack of proper skills and tools, it
is not very meaningful. Finally, the Internet does provide the best, most efficient
means for seeking and securing funds, manpower and service-oriented methods and
means ... more so than any medium in history.
If we look at the pathway, however, through these first years of the 'Net, a mere
six years or so, but much longer than that in "Internet Years," we all
have seen the quick rise and fall of many online enterprises. Without SEVERE
professional development of skills, habits, thought patterns, and planning methods,
taking action (reason #4) is a huge mistake. The Internet skyways and byways are
littered, already, with eBusinesses that have NOT succeeded. We've seen mergers
and higher mergers, where people have tried to salvage what initially was a very
good concept. But in taking action too quickly, they undermined their own efforts.
From our public schools to our public libraries, to our smallest mom-and-pop
companies to our largest corporations ... all have catapulted into the New Media.
The overriding action has been to try and get the best equipment for the least dollar.
From my earliest days as Media Director in Denver's largest high school, my battle cry
has been: training! Few listened. Many of the grants-based computer
labs at that High School are limping, if not dead. I've sat in many meetings at decision-
making levels both in corporate and in school district — and listened to the reasons
why they cannot add the costs of training, to the costs of the equipment.
The suffering has been intense. The road DID lead back to the acknowledgement for the need
for professional development ... the training, the learning, the acquisition
of skills. The end cost? MUCH higher than if this element had been part of the initial
setup.
Skills development goes far beyond just the abilities learned. We are talking about things
like comfort and safety zones, meeting of like minds, elevation of mental and spiritual
levels, and a grasping of our status of being FELLOW human beings in this world. The Internet
elevates all of these things.
I believe the Internet is the greatest tool of all time. For those involved in the pursuits
of nonprofit organizations, this is even a stronger truth. We, therefore, have an obligation
to develop the professional skills for properly utilizing this magnificent helpmeet.
Response:
"The Texas Commission on the Arts as a Model for Wired Nonprofits"
It has
been my experience in over twelve years of intense computer and Internet "work and
play," that the online world stands as one of the best examples of the old saying,
"Survival of the Fittest." The case study of the Texas Commission on the Arts
is an excellent example of an agency with an astounding load being confronted with almost
impossible directives, and succeeding in a huge way!
This is an overview of a typically overloaded state agency, with fingers in many pots
(in this case, PAINT pots :-) who then find themselves ordered to increase the levels
and the efficiency of their services to all sectors, including legislative, recipients,
and the public. On top of that, a very forward-thinking Director made the decision to
whole-heartedly embrace the New Technologies by projecting a 5-year deadline for the
Agency going totally "paperless." To me, this is the height of how to eat
an elephant. So early in "the Internet Game," this might make even consuming
small bites, an impossible feast.
The solution was TCAnet. In a relative short period of time, this Online Community was
developed. My studies have brought me in front of hundreds of virtual communities ...
and my introduction to this Village left me in awe of the power of human creativity,
decision-making, and the drive to complete a project on the highest level.
This online Village appears to have addressed every single issue that was presented to
them, for making improvements and adding services. The list is rather astounding, and
the web site is thorough and large. It offers resources, contacts, and online help to
everything related to the Arts — in Texas primarily, and globally, to anyone interested.
From the artist in the studio, to the student seeking an art school, to the banks and
money services connected to the Arts, to the legislative branches and their Art projects,
to the sales and auctions of Art, to private and public projects and funding ... it is
all here.
The Village is presented in a very artful and unique manner. The navigation elements make
the site a lot of fun to browse. It is professionally done and is a visual treat.
This is not a hedge against further writing — literally, there ARE no gaps that I can
find, in this web site. It is evident that a lot of planning has gone into the work. It is
also evident that the team really cares about the site, as it is easily navigable. A lot
of attention appears to be there, for updating the site. I did find a few broken links ...
but as with every excellent web site, there are contacts and links for asking questions, and
for finding "lost" links. With the hundreds of links on this site, this must be
an overwhelming responsibility for keeping everything current.
One of the most interesting aspects of this tale concerned the changes that happened
internally, once this project began. Approximately 70% of the initial staff ... left. The
need for very upscale computer skills, and the usual complaints for going into such a large
paradigm shift of skills and thought patterns, seemed to be the reason for the mass exodus.
The web site, on the other hand, has been embraced enthusiastically in areas that are off
the beaten track. Outlying, countryside areas are very excited to have this amount of
information arrive!
I don't know that I have suggestions for "improvement" or changes for this agency's
online effort. Rather, I was so inspired by this article and by the layout and immense
amount of information given. The TCAnet site instantly became a superior model, for me. What
they have done is an actualization of ideas and goals I've had for my own Refuge Earth
Community web site.
My only recommendation would be to stay absolutely current with technologies, and to
not have fear of seeking peer advice. However, one of the things that is so evident
on this site is that they have done these things from the start! The biggest obstacle
for Internet entities such as the TCA, is the immense size of the groups that they service.
TCA appears to be handling it very well.
An elephant, well-eaten!
Response:
Response to Michael:
"Professional Development is Still Paramount"
Your example is fascinating! I think you are very fortunate to be in a position to watch this in action, as your example shows clearly that professionals all over the world are, indeed, making highly sophisticated use of the means, methods, and delivery of the Internet. The ability to telecommute and actually 'teleport' one's self or one's agency into a virtual community is a reality — and you've been one to actually see it in action. It's becoming much more common in private industry, but what you've described is that these methods are strongly in use within your non-profit organization.
The one thing I would like to point to, however, is that your group is made up of seasoned technical professionals, such as scientists and others who are already using high technologies for their work. Therefore, one or more of the obstacles are already removed or at least 'dealt with.' These are professionals who have already - within their work arena - been through a learning curve and have mastered some skills that are not common throughout the business world, either non-profit or even, in many cases, the private sector.
The abilities to develop an online 'work room,' or video conferencing, or a virtual meeting place, or retrieving massive information from databases - is something that is widely available, and many times, FREE. However, I still hold that the FIRST thing that must happen is to concentrate on professional development and the acquisition of skills ... otherwise, all of these offerings are not accessible.
Your group, I believe, is still in the minority, in that most groups in all sectors of business, have not yet arrived at this high level of skills and therefore the ability to utilize the Internet as effectively as your group does.
I think you are very fortunate to be able to watch this, in action! You therefore will have MUCH to contribute to future projects and groups who are looking to institute similar tools! The fact that your example shows the GLOBAL REACH of such tools, is truly fascinating.
Let's talk!! Write to:
WebSpinner@refugeearth.org
( that's me — Leanne! )
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