For More Information: Methods for Change, http://methodsforchange.com
Purpose:
To support and extend the impact of your change methodologies by using technology for both time-delimited and ongoing efforts.
Outcomes:
• Increases access by enabling distributed participation
• Creates a record of the interaction
• Increases transparency
• Changes the assumption that face-to-face is the only way to implement real change
When to Use:
• Networks and communities need to be nurtured over time/distance
• Events can be maximized through online support
• Cost or other factors prevent gathering face-to-face
• A process lasts a long time
• Records, ongoing conversation, and information sharing is useful
• Increased participation and more diverse voices are desired
• Complexity requires a variety of interaction and recording options
• To support greater transparency
• Special participant requirements lend themselves to online interactions
When Not to Use:
• There is no leadership support
• There is no Internet access or participants are not skilled in the technology
• Insufficient motivation/attention to issues
Number of Participants:
• 2–10,000s
Types of Participants:
• Everyone who needs or chooses to be present
Typical Duration:
• Preparation: Integrate into the change process
• Process: 1 hour–weeks or ongoing
• Follow-up: Integrate into the follow-up plan
Brief Example:
In 2004, the Gender and Diversity Program of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural
Research convened an online consultation to gather the needs and priorities of its member organizations. The program gathered input from more constituents than was possible face-to-face, resulting in knowing the priorities that might not have been heard otherwise. This input guided the program toward serving the actual needs of constituents rather than assumed needs.
Historical Context:
Created by people who have nurtured online interaction since the 1950s when computers were first networked. The history of online environments for change sits in the evolution ofonline communities
(Rheingold,www.rheingold.com/vc/book), computer-supported communication, and distributed group work (teams).
 Online Environments |
