Hi Irene, 

I couldn't open your blog post, but am interested in the role of lurking in online education.

I am completing my doctorate in education entirely online, just as Jenny is, however I am doing it through Athabasca university in Canada. Having all of our classes online means the are lots of discussion forums. While most instructors build in a participation requirement the are always a couple of students who do not engage. Our cohort is small, there is only 7 of us so when one is missing (perhaps lurking) we lose out on their valuable input. 

We had a discussion about it but the lurkers often choose not to engage even in that. 

Ruth

Hey, Irene!

Everybody matters! I'm glad you're reaching out and networking with people beyond your local institution.

I'm an adjunct instructor of Child Development for a community college and I'm the only man in our small department.  I sometimes feel marginalized, like some kind of outsider.  I don't know that there's an awkward gender dynamic (although that's what I suspect), or whatever other social factors may be at work.  I'm a bit of an introvert, so my often reserved demeanor may also be involved.

But recently, I'm finding great satisfaction and rejuvenation by forging relationships outside of the college.  We're talking about Communities of Practice today (and/or Communities of Interest, as Leanne clarified).  I'm connecting with new people and learning about online course design and open education.  I've never done any blogging--but I'm inspired by yours!  I might even venture into blogging as another tool for teaching.

Just as one new friend to another--I agree with Jenni.  Don't call yourself a "lurker"--that sounds too creepy and voyeuristic!  It's also somewhat diminishing--as if your contributions are superfluous or irrelevant. At the very least, you're an observer; and even more, you're a colleague!  You're posting a blog, which certainly promotes our conversation.

Irene's Life Matters!

Hello, 

I wanted to comment on the blog but didn't see the option. It is difficult feeling like the "other." While I don't completely understand where you are coming from I can empathize. I teach a university program in a college setting. Until recently, it always felt like we are the "other" but at least there is a group of us. The union often doesn't understand our needs, and until our Hub was formed we could never attend PD because our calendar was different than everyone else's. 

Things are getting better as we reach out and engage more with faculty in other programs. Even though I don't teach the same things, I often find commonalities with educators from K to College and support personnel. We may not do the same things but we work inside the same structures. 

The open community is made up of a lot of non-teachers. In fact, at OE Global there were very few faculty members there. At CC Global it seemed to be mostly librarians. I think you will find lots of opportunities to fit in, even with the teacher types like me ;)

Laura