UPOU has recently celebrated its 15th year anniversary.
The exhibit boasts of UPOU history--first generation, 2nd and 3rd.
Where am I? Perhaps third generation...and where are the students?
The celebration pretty much shows the UPOU family--I find a bit 'clanish'. But families need those if families are to survive. They need to carve their history to justify existence.
It's a family I can't seem to identify with as it's already rich with traditions and common life story which started way back. But life goes on and new stories have to be woven if UPOU is to survive.
This paper is meant to tell stories of other partakers in this UPOU community--the students and junior faculty members who equally identify with the UP name and continue to evolve towards a common identity as people of UPOU.
This paper is significant as it is meant to give voice to other members of the UPOU community who seek deeper interactions with fellow UPOU students, and a whole new meaning to what UPOU community is all about.
In the bigger scheme of things.....why is this paper significant, I leave Al to make meaning out of that.
I think to some extent, I do equate the community site with the latest Biomodd [C]Piece. Both provided venues for students to interact, and get involved towards a common cause--but for what reasons and towards which direction?
This paper aims to figure out.
And so my little cause for the next generation--I'd like to view a future exhibit where students' narratives get to be included in the big picture. I'd like to see their initiatives documented as part of the UPOU history. Their voices have to be heard one way or another. The community site to some extent documents that.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
More Notes + Queries: Q Research_Comm Site
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: A PERSONAL SKILLS APPROACH by Gary D. Shank
Pearson 2006
..."Quali researchis as the systematic empirical inquiry into meaning. Interpretation is the part where we continue to examine meaning that we feel we already have, while we think of about other meanings we might seek. Interpretation is not the whole of qualitative research, but there can be no qualitative research without it."(78)
"Interpretation always involves taking some form of chance, and taking the risk that your interpretation might not be accurate or even correct. You do not guard against these circumstances by making timid descriptions. Instead you make sure your interpretations are upfront as possible. If your interpretation ends up being incorrect, it is best for it to be correct in a public correctable way." (79)
Now here's comes my fave line:
"IT IS BETTER TO BE CLEAR AND WRONG THAN MUDDLED AND CORRECT."
Now I understand why I insist on this paper...here goes my explanation.
Well, I know for one that the this virtual community site meant a lot to me as PC.
I can really see its potential at both personal and UPOU work level. So I'm really hooked with the idea of it. Now is just that me or what? Is that meaning valid only to me? I 'sense' that it is perhaps for other users...but I only sense this so I'd like to see clearly how others see the site.
It's a constant question--that if perhaps if it means a lot to a few who discovered it, maybe we can make it meaningful to others in the future. So in what way was the site packaged enough for others to sustain engagements in it? what else can we do so others can find meaning in it?
The thing is, I'm the one convinced but why? And howcome I sense that site moderator thinks about the virtual community differently? Maybe he did have other purposes for it or his perspective is entirely different being the creator of the site and someone being used to forums in other contexts.
And so this personal pursuit of mine...if current active members surface these meanings, perhaps we can find something in common. Finding that may lead us to ways we can decide how to take it forward and see if indeed it is worth sustaining.
OR at least it can even mean another thing altogether--that maybe, it isn't that meaningful to others. And so if not, the sooner we know this, then the sooner we can find out why it isn't worth sustaining---then at least I know clearly why I am incorrect--in my face. That I can take and move on.
In the end, I would not see it as a waste of time--it's good while it lasts.
Pearson 2006
..."Quali researchis as the systematic empirical inquiry into meaning. Interpretation is the part where we continue to examine meaning that we feel we already have, while we think of about other meanings we might seek. Interpretation is not the whole of qualitative research, but there can be no qualitative research without it."(78)
"Interpretation always involves taking some form of chance, and taking the risk that your interpretation might not be accurate or even correct. You do not guard against these circumstances by making timid descriptions. Instead you make sure your interpretations are upfront as possible. If your interpretation ends up being incorrect, it is best for it to be correct in a public correctable way." (79)
Now here's comes my fave line:
"IT IS BETTER TO BE CLEAR AND WRONG THAN MUDDLED AND CORRECT."
Now I understand why I insist on this paper...here goes my explanation.
Well, I know for one that the this virtual community site meant a lot to me as PC.
I can really see its potential at both personal and UPOU work level. So I'm really hooked with the idea of it. Now is just that me or what? Is that meaning valid only to me? I 'sense' that it is perhaps for other users...but I only sense this so I'd like to see clearly how others see the site.
It's a constant question--that if perhaps if it means a lot to a few who discovered it, maybe we can make it meaningful to others in the future. So in what way was the site packaged enough for others to sustain engagements in it? what else can we do so others can find meaning in it?
The thing is, I'm the one convinced but why? And howcome I sense that site moderator thinks about the virtual community differently? Maybe he did have other purposes for it or his perspective is entirely different being the creator of the site and someone being used to forums in other contexts.
And so this personal pursuit of mine...if current active members surface these meanings, perhaps we can find something in common. Finding that may lead us to ways we can decide how to take it forward and see if indeed it is worth sustaining.
OR at least it can even mean another thing altogether--that maybe, it isn't that meaningful to others. And so if not, the sooner we know this, then the sooner we can find out why it isn't worth sustaining---then at least I know clearly why I am incorrect--in my face. That I can take and move on.
In the end, I would not see it as a waste of time--it's good while it lasts.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Set A: First Layer Responses from Site Creator
-Tell me about how you put the contents/things together at the site...what factors did you consider with your choice of webhost, the design/theme contents/folders, the gallery. Or did these things come to you naturally having had previous experience with managing or moderating forums?
The site is on its second webhost. The one before, I picked because I felt it offered the best features at that price point. This second one, I picked because I was sold to the "green hosting" hooplah while still having comparative features. In reality, this new host can't be that much more sustainable than the previous one. But still, a little improvement is better than nothing.
I used Joomla simply because it's the content management system I had the most experience with. And it'll be easier to maintain by people with little or no web development or programming experience, in the event of having others administer the site.
The site theme and layout was borne from my personal taste as well as feedback from early users.
-Is there a difference with the work and interaction YOU do (and experience) via the UPOU community site versus previous sites/forums you've been with?
Yes. You don't completely lose the student-teacher dynamic in the UPOU Community Site. There's already an established relationship among many members even before they signed in. In other upstart online communities, you don't have that. Most people don't even know each other, so there's a higher level of anonymity. It hardly matters if you're a teacher, student, doctor, engineer, bum or whatnot, at least up until something out of the ordinary happens.
-Did you expect it to be discovered (by anyone from UPOU)? What were your initial plans for it to be noticed...or launched?
Yes, I did, because I invited students to be beta testers. While the response of my own DCS students was disappointing, I didn't really intend to make a big fuss over its existence. As long as it regularly attracts new members, even in small numbers, I'd consider it a success.
-Have your expectations been met in terms of initial response, site usage, current users?
Or maybe, any frustrations or unmet expectations?
Initial response was, like I said, a bit disappointing. I expected a little bit more enthusiasm, especially on the side of the UPOU faculty and my own DCS students. When that didn't happen, certain things came about that questioned my preconceptions of what a UPOU person really is.
But now with certain realizations in check, I think it's all fine as far as the level of activity is concerned.
-Any surprises...in terms of interaction/ experience you did not foresee nor expect (but happened) from users (old and new), you included?
Well, I did not expect a supposedly intelligent grown man to act like a twelve year old brat in the forum. My expectations of the general demeanor of the UPOU populace was much higher than that. Does that count?
I also didn't really expect for the site to be embraced by a small but dedicated number of people the way they did, which were most apparent during the last two UP Lantern Parades.
-Would you consider this site as one to put in your list of creative work or accomplishment? Why so or...why not if ever?
I really haven't thought about it. I never thought of it as a big deal at the beginning. In some ways, I still don't. But this was before I saw it as a platform for social experiments. So who knows, with a bit more dedication, maybe it can be one.
The site is on its second webhost. The one before, I picked because I felt it offered the best features at that price point. This second one, I picked because I was sold to the "green hosting" hooplah while still having comparative features. In reality, this new host can't be that much more sustainable than the previous one. But still, a little improvement is better than nothing.
I used Joomla simply because it's the content management system I had the most experience with. And it'll be easier to maintain by people with little or no web development or programming experience, in the event of having others administer the site.
The site theme and layout was borne from my personal taste as well as feedback from early users.
-Is there a difference with the work and interaction YOU do (and experience) via the UPOU community site versus previous sites/forums you've been with?
Yes. You don't completely lose the student-teacher dynamic in the UPOU Community Site. There's already an established relationship among many members even before they signed in. In other upstart online communities, you don't have that. Most people don't even know each other, so there's a higher level of anonymity. It hardly matters if you're a teacher, student, doctor, engineer, bum or whatnot, at least up until something out of the ordinary happens.
-Did you expect it to be discovered (by anyone from UPOU)? What were your initial plans for it to be noticed...or launched?
Yes, I did, because I invited students to be beta testers. While the response of my own DCS students was disappointing, I didn't really intend to make a big fuss over its existence. As long as it regularly attracts new members, even in small numbers, I'd consider it a success.
-Have your expectations been met in terms of initial response, site usage, current users?
Or maybe, any frustrations or unmet expectations?
Initial response was, like I said, a bit disappointing. I expected a little bit more enthusiasm, especially on the side of the UPOU faculty and my own DCS students. When that didn't happen, certain things came about that questioned my preconceptions of what a UPOU person really is.
But now with certain realizations in check, I think it's all fine as far as the level of activity is concerned.
-Any surprises...in terms of interaction/ experience you did not foresee nor expect (but happened) from users (old and new), you included?
Well, I did not expect a supposedly intelligent grown man to act like a twelve year old brat in the forum. My expectations of the general demeanor of the UPOU populace was much higher than that. Does that count?
I also didn't really expect for the site to be embraced by a small but dedicated number of people the way they did, which were most apparent during the last two UP Lantern Parades.
-Would you consider this site as one to put in your list of creative work or accomplishment? Why so or...why not if ever?
I really haven't thought about it. I never thought of it as a big deal at the beginning. In some ways, I still don't. But this was before I saw it as a platform for social experiments. So who knows, with a bit more dedication, maybe it can be one.
Set B: Second Layer Responses from Site Creator
Set B Questions:
-What are your initial perceptions of UPOU students based on your observation of their online behavior? Have your perceptions changed as you interacted with students at the comm site?
I started to work on the site with a firm belief that UPOU people were not just more Net-savvy, but also generally more interested in online interaction compared to those from other constituent units. I had never been more wrong about anything else since I started working here.
My own DCS students were a collective disappointment as I had expected them to be more interested than the rest. I mean, computer science right? I didn't expect to have everyone on board, but 3 or so out of about 70? I didn't see that coming.
My perception has not changed since then. There is a small set of active people now, just like before, and later on they move on to other things and will be replaced by others, then in time they will be replaced... One can only hope that it is a cycle that will see more people coming in than going out.
-Do you find the exchanges/ interactions among site users as meaningful compared to other exchanges which happen in sites upou students/facs are engaged in? Why so? (and maybe what specific threads / responses attest to that)
Well, that depends. If by other sites you mean things like Facebook or Friendster, then definitely yes. But when compared to something like MyPortal or, to a certain extent, Multiply, it's hard to say. I think academic discussion is very meaningful and both sides have ample amounts of that. But as far as non-academic related discussions and information are concerned, right now, nothing can top the Community Site.
-What have you learned from these online/offline experiences with site members, in terms of making students feel that they're part of a larger community?
These site members, especially the ones who stick around long enough, are a different breed of UPOU students, in contrast to the ones who can't be bothered to log in to MyPortal for more than a couple of hours in any given week, which sadly comprises the majority. These community site members are determined to find a deeper meaning for being part of UPOU. Those who are not full time students do not see their day jobs as a hindrance they cannot overcome in order to find their meaning. And that is why I believe they will bear more resemblance to the archetypical UP student than the others -- intelligent and with a passion for greater worthwhile causes. Just as students from other CU's have organizations, UPOU students have the Community Site
-What are your initial perceptions of UPOU students based on your observation of their online behavior? Have your perceptions changed as you interacted with students at the comm site?
I started to work on the site with a firm belief that UPOU people were not just more Net-savvy, but also generally more interested in online interaction compared to those from other constituent units. I had never been more wrong about anything else since I started working here.
My own DCS students were a collective disappointment as I had expected them to be more interested than the rest. I mean, computer science right? I didn't expect to have everyone on board, but 3 or so out of about 70? I didn't see that coming.
My perception has not changed since then. There is a small set of active people now, just like before, and later on they move on to other things and will be replaced by others, then in time they will be replaced... One can only hope that it is a cycle that will see more people coming in than going out.
-Do you find the exchanges/ interactions among site users as meaningful compared to other exchanges which happen in sites upou students/facs are engaged in? Why so? (and maybe what specific threads / responses attest to that)
Well, that depends. If by other sites you mean things like Facebook or Friendster, then definitely yes. But when compared to something like MyPortal or, to a certain extent, Multiply, it's hard to say. I think academic discussion is very meaningful and both sides have ample amounts of that. But as far as non-academic related discussions and information are concerned, right now, nothing can top the Community Site.
-What have you learned from these online/offline experiences with site members, in terms of making students feel that they're part of a larger community?
These site members, especially the ones who stick around long enough, are a different breed of UPOU students, in contrast to the ones who can't be bothered to log in to MyPortal for more than a couple of hours in any given week, which sadly comprises the majority. These community site members are determined to find a deeper meaning for being part of UPOU. Those who are not full time students do not see their day jobs as a hindrance they cannot overcome in order to find their meaning. And that is why I believe they will bear more resemblance to the archetypical UP student than the others -- intelligent and with a passion for greater worthwhile causes. Just as students from other CU's have organizations, UPOU students have the Community Site
Friday, February 5, 2010
Abstract; Track Changes
Abstract No. 181
Paper Title
Nurturing a Sense of Community at the UP Open University Community Site
Abstract
Research into distance education often shows a positive relationship between a sense of community and learning among adults. To some adult learners, there is more to online learning than the fulfillment of academic work. From a socio-cultural perspective, learning in a virtual community is also about the expression of online selves, identity construction and building a sense of community.
Building a sense of community is a constant challenge at the UP Open University (UPOU), the first tertiary level institution in the Philippines to offer distance education programs to adult learners from both graduate and undergraduate levels. Its current student population engage in online academic courses through UPOU's Moodle-based learning management system. Whilst there are small packets of extra-curricular discussion sometimes encouraged by individual faculties-in-charge, UPOU has yet to explore other platforms to harness involvement and participation among its community members, most especially the students. This is where the UPOU Community Site comes in. The UPOU Community Site is one distinct virtual community developed and maintained by a faculty member outside the course domain. This site was created to cater to students, alumni, faculty and staff who feel there is more to being part of UPOU than just the studies, work and research.
But what does the UPOU Community Site truly mean to these adult learners who manage to sustain online and offline engagements through this virtual community? This case study purposely narrated the development of the UPOU Community Site from the perspective of its current users who care enough to maximise it as a tool and platform for programme improvements, community building activities and interaction. Through narrative inquiry, this study was able to surface varied meanings that a select group of adult learners attach to this virtual community. The study examined how faculty members and students express their online selves, construct their identities and engage in community building activities outside their usual academic coursework. The study aimed at making explicit the nature of this virtual community's growing sense of community in order to arrive at possible directions it can pursue for it to thrive.
The study provided evidence as to how a virtual community can become a valuable platform to extend the online world of adult learners in order to contribute to an open university’s evolving community of practice. This qualitative research grounded itself on an interpretive-critical paradigm, so the study was able to draw out possible goals and strategies from adult learners-site members in order to sustain engagements among its current users as they continue to take part in building and nurturing a sense of community with the larger population of UPOU adult learners it hopes to reach.
Paper Title
Nurturing a Sense of Community at the UP Open University Community Site
Abstract
Research into distance education often shows a positive relationship between a sense of community and learning among adults. To some adult learners, there is more to online learning than the fulfillment of academic work. From a socio-cultural perspective, learning in a virtual community is also about the expression of online selves, identity construction and building a sense of community.
Building a sense of community is a constant challenge at the UP Open University (UPOU), the first tertiary level institution in the Philippines to offer distance education programs to adult learners from both graduate and undergraduate levels. Its current student population engage in online academic courses through UPOU's Moodle-based learning management system. Whilst there are small packets of extra-curricular discussion sometimes encouraged by individual faculties-in-charge, UPOU has yet to explore other platforms to harness involvement and participation among its community members, most especially the students. This is where the UPOU Community Site comes in. The UPOU Community Site is one distinct virtual community developed and maintained by a faculty member outside the course domain. This site was created to cater to students, alumni, faculty and staff who feel there is more to being part of UPOU than just the studies, work and research.
But what does the UPOU Community Site truly mean to these adult learners who manage to sustain online and offline engagements through this virtual community? This case study purposely narrated the development of the UPOU Community Site from the perspective of its current users who care enough to maximise it as a tool and platform for programme improvements, community building activities and interaction. Through narrative inquiry, this study was able to surface varied meanings that a select group of adult learners attach to this virtual community. The study examined how faculty members and students express their online selves, construct their identities and engage in community building activities outside their usual academic coursework. The study aimed at making explicit the nature of this virtual community's growing sense of community in order to arrive at possible directions it can pursue for it to thrive.
The study provided evidence as to how a virtual community can become a valuable platform to extend the online world of adult learners in order to contribute to an open university’s evolving community of practice. This qualitative research grounded itself on an interpretive-critical paradigm, so the study was able to draw out possible goals and strategies from adult learners-site members in order to sustain engagements among its current users as they continue to take part in building and nurturing a sense of community with the larger population of UPOU adult learners it hopes to reach.
Abstract Acceptance...woohooo...lagot!
Dear Villanueva Aleta
We are pleased to inform you that your abstract has been accepted by the ICT2010 Conference Review Panel.
Please be informed that the latest date to submit the full / brief / best practice presentation paper is Monday, 15 March 2010. However, as an author, you can enjoy a special registration rate of S$375 for the conference if you submit your full, brief or best practice paper by 1 March 2010.
Please take note of the comments from our review panel:
1. See email attachment with track changes (file: 181_tracking changes.doc).
A full research paper should be between 8 and 10 pages and up to 5,000 words. A brief paper should be between 4 and 6 pages and up to 2,500 words. Please select the type of paper (full or brief paper) you wish to submit. However, the ICT2010 Conference Academic Committee reserves the right to advise you to change the type of paper after it has been reviewed by our review panel.
I attach the author's guideline for the full / brief paper and the best practice presentation to this e-mail.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Best regards
Academic Chair
ICT2010 Singapore Conference
--
We are pleased to inform you that your abstract has been accepted by the ICT2010 Conference Review Panel.
Please be informed that the latest date to submit the full / brief / best practice presentation paper is Monday, 15 March 2010. However, as an author, you can enjoy a special registration rate of S$375 for the conference if you submit your full, brief or best practice paper by 1 March 2010.
Please take note of the comments from our review panel:
1. See email attachment with track changes (file: 181_tracking changes.doc).
A full research paper should be between 8 and 10 pages and up to 5,000 words. A brief paper should be between 4 and 6 pages and up to 2,500 words. Please select the type of paper (full or brief paper) you wish to submit. However, the ICT2010 Conference Academic Committee reserves the right to advise you to change the type of paper after it has been reviewed by our review panel.
I attach the author's guideline for the full / brief paper and the best practice presentation to this e-mail.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Best regards
Academic Chair
ICT2010 Singapore Conference
--
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