Electronic Conferencing as a Tool for Research: Youth literacy - what works
with Diana Twiss and Sandy Middleton

Rapporteur: Caroline Vaughan

Diana and Sandy are facilitators on The Hub, the BC literacy electronic network and conferencing system. The Hub is a project of Literacy BC and Capilano College.

This session looked at electronic conferencing as a tool supporting research in practice: the how and why of conferencing, what conferencing tools are available, and what initiatives, websites, and projects support electronic communication about research. In particular, the presenters described an electronic conference that took place on the Hub. Youth Literacy: What works? was an example of how this medium can provide a useful and interactive exchange of information and ideas about research projects and issues.

The Youth Literacy: What works? electronic conference on The Hub (January to March 2003) was based on The New School @ Surrey, a national research and demonstration project cofunded by the National Literacy Secretariat and the Crime Prevention Centre, and partnered by Surrey School District and Literacy BC. The project is developing a new and effective educational alternative for high school students who have great difficulty reading and writing. The model focuses on multiple intelligences and engaged learning. It combines lectures with group discussions and paired and individual work, emphasizing the use of technology, arts activities, and hands-on experience.

The electronic conference was moderated by Heide Wrigley, the senior researcher at The New School. The aim was to stimulate discussion of critical issues related to youth dropping out of school. The conference was made available through a specially developed conferencing web site. Approximately 125 participants from four countries registered for the conference. Participants included youth literacy educators, secondary school teachers and principals, and people engaged in policy development. The conference format included two weeks of introductions and questions, and six weekly discussion sessions, each focusing on a specific question.

The conference was a success. Participants checked in, read and responded to messages, and downloaded materials. Some of the learnings from the conference about how to effective use electronic conferencing include the need to:

• Have an active moderator who can engage participation online
• Provide continuous updates, or summaries, for those who do not sign in every day.
• Respond quickly to any technical problems. This is critical, as participants will quickly drop off if they do not get the support they need.