Open and Connected Communities of Practice in Computer Science in Sport

[Keith Lyons]

Some weeks ago Larry Katz and Christoph Igel sent out a call for contributions to a special journal issue of the International Journal of Computer Science in Sport (IJCSS). Larry and Christoph observe that “many new and exciting programs are being developed in the areas of multimedia and elearning with the Internet as one of the main sources for distribution”. They add that “we are interested in papers that explore the innovative use of these tools and their effectiveness in improving learning and performance.”

I am keen to explore the use of a collaborative approach to writing papers that draws upon collective wisdom. This first blog post is my alert to my Ning colleagues about my approach. In the Introduction to my paper for IJCSS I indicate that I will be taking this approach.

I hope to develop the ideas about sharing explored in http://keithlyons.wordpress.com/2008/08/12/iasi-in-canberra-2009/ and refine their use. It is a paper about multimedia.

I will try a Twitter tag too. I am thinking #L&C09 might be distinctive.

In chronology terms the paper has to be submitted by 30 June 2009 and I hope to spend the next six weeks developing the ideas with your help.

[Gene]

Keith - what a great idea.
Collaboration - do we need boundaries?
Collaboration comes in many forms, so maybe some time might be usefully spent by your network thinking about how the collaboration might takes place. Possibilities range from unfettered to guided. Linux is an example of a collaborative activity that uses carefully placed checks and balances.

Will you invite the group to contribute to a conceptual framework, content or review? What about attribution?

Will you provide a framework and some scaffolding to your team of collaborators?

Collaboration - how do we keep it alive?
How will you take stock of and report on progress - remember Surowiecki and the Wisdom of the Crowds http://www.randomhouse.com/features/wisdomofcrowds/ and his story about the SARS virus and how the loosely knit team around the world would get together via phone conference updates.

Collaboration - the need to experiment with process
Just as some cooperative environment movements from the 70s onwards fell apart because the players couldn't work out how to cooperate with one another, I think we need to work out and experiment with ways to cooperate on activities such as the useful one you are proposing. Gene

[Keith Lyons]

Good morning, Gene. What a great way to start the week and this process. After posting the blog post I thought about the apocryphal story about a pilot who requested help from air traffic controllers. When asked about his height and position he answered 'Six feet and sitting in the front.'

[Andy Turnbull]

Good evening Keith - I agree with gene, it will be interesting to see how you propose frameworks, collaboration, scaffolding etc. Every community needs it so will you be playing the role of media chief or community manager...is there a difference?

We have created a platform for discussing and managing topics such as this at the Sports Hydrant www.sportshydrant.com. You may be interested in checking out the methodology we are using.

Andy Turnbull

[Keith Lyons]

Andy

I apologise for my belated reply. I agree with you and Gene. I think Sports Hydrant is a great example of a collaborative endeavour that addresses the issues you both raise.

It is fascinating how the cloud resources available to us enables us to be producer, chief and manager.

Are you attending Kate Lundy's public sphere discussions this week?