CCTNetwork24Mar08

=Organizing Group Conference Call= Monday, March 24, 2008, 7-8pm (through Skype/WIMBA)

Conference Call Summary
present on call: Peter, Wally, Tara, Jeremy

Discussion of Feb. 26 event (alumni presentations on “Our Lives and Other Worlds: Writings, Stories, and Reflections”), which seemed to be quite successful and rewarding for all. One observation was that even though it was not perfectly clear ahead of time exactly how each presenter would structure their talk, the presentations and guest commentaries became cohesive over the course of the evening as several connections were made between them. It seemed clear that such an idea of alum presenters across a theme will have a lot of potential for future events.

Other discussion included additional comments about use of “asynchronous” online meeting and community tools that are used for distance learning (Wally provided an example of some that he uses). Because during this call we were also experimenting with WIMBA/Skype conferencing, we found that there are lessons to still be learned about optimizing the technical setup, as we started the call late due to issues of trying to keep everyone connected to the call properly and maintain good sound quality.

Emerging idea about the development of the network: because we are looking to develop monthly events, a driving force includes continuing to make connections with alumni and make them aware of events and collect feedback, along with establishing tentative schedules for events. Ideally, the organizing group will continue to serve as a resource for developing event ideas into fully-formed plans, and a core CCT group will support these through keeping communication going and helping to publicize events and with logistics.

Upcoming events are being considered, including the May synthesis presentations as well as a possible conference call dialogue for alumni sometime during the summer.