The suggestion of appointing individuals within an organization to subscribe
to particular development list serve is good.  It would be even more
effective if that designated individual had a process whereby they report to
the group on pertinent discussions relative to the organization's mission; a
simple, quick feedback or cross feed system.   

 

My background is in organizational management but as someone who managed
technical training programs and dealt with geographically separated
programs, I found it important to emphasize developing a system of cross
feed.  That means information sharing within the organization as well as
with sister organizations/programs.   

 

A quick bullet paper is pretty effective.  One page maximum, 3-5 bullet
statements that may include a synopsis of an event, insights, contact
information,  and of course, lessons learned.   This is particularly useful
as an informal on-the-job training technique, whether the individual is
reporting back on conference events, relaying actual training basics, or
providing feedback on a community event.  

 

In some organizations, reporting back can be quickly accomplished at the
regular staff meetings, using the bullet paper as a guide., 

 

A notebook of cross feed papers is helpful.  Newcomers (and motivated
individuals) can quickly absorb information that in many organizations
remains unavailable - information that influences the corporate culture, but
is never shared effectively. They can also pursue topics that are of special
interest to them.

 

Just a few thoughts as I sip my morning coffee.

 

"Ginn"

Virginia J. Pulver, AmeriCorps*VISTA

Recruiting Consultant, NM Coalition for Literacy

3209-B Mercantile Court, Santa Fe NM    87507

virginia at nmcl.org

 

YOU can become a volunteer adult literacy tutor or 

refer adult learners for FREE 1-1 tutoring!

1-800-233-7587  

Visit our Website:  <http://www.nmcl.org/> www.nmcl.org

 

From: professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Jackie A.
Taylor
Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 6:37 PM
To: professionaldevelopment at nifl.gov
Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 2582] Strategies for Managing Information

 

Hello again, All,

In today's digital world, it's becoming increasingly important to direct
flows of information. Some use tech tools like RSS feeds
(http://www.commoncraft.com/rss_plain_english) do this for themselves. Some
actively seek information and direct it to groups of constituents. 

 

Whether you are professional development staff managing information for your
region or state, or program staff / volunteers channeling information for
your program, what strategies do you use to manage information flow?

 

For example: In speaking with colleagues at ProLiteracy last week, here's
what they said:

*	Have someone from your organization subscribed to one or two NIFL
discussion lists so that the organization has someone subscribed to each
list
*	Join discussion lists that intersect with state initiatives
*	Subscribe for guest discussions then unsubscribe afterwards
*	Use other options to find posts: discussion archives, discussion
search engine

What strategies would you add to this list? What strategies could a
moderator of an online community use that would help you?

 

I'll bundle any ideas shared and post it back here.

 

Thanks, 

 

jackie

 

Jackie Taylor, PD List Moderator, jackie at jataylor.net 

 

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