Tasmanian Communities networking event
In the lush surrounds of the University of Tasmania’s Launceston campus, many people - co-ordinators, volunteers, mentors and more - came from all around Tasmania for the annual Online Access Centres (OAC) conference / networking days. There were many enjoyable sessions:
- Kathleen led people through an induction into their new moodle-based networking environment;
- Cheryl and Tina shared some terrific strategies for building partnerships;
- One session demonstrated progress in a home-grown computer booking system;
- Michael caused some chaos while exploring a wikispace, and embedding audio/ powerpoint;
Highlights for me included Andy Norris’ brief history of the OAC network - and what a history they’ve had! One pivotal moment was the research which showed the deep and positive impact these centres have had in regional Tasmanian communities, connecting people and providing much needed access. A fundamental feature of these centres is the one-to-one support they give people who need to learn new ways with information.
There is plenty of enthusiasm amongst people in the network for future possibilities, and some concern around coming changes; as considerable re-structuring occurs within Tasmania. The OAC network and centres are being re-configured within a larger model of joining together Adult Education, Branch Libraries and OAC, in Adult and Community Learning Services. Andy Norris assured people that they would be well placed for the changes.
Selected co-ordinators and mentors are creating ‘negotiated projects’ to build capacity within their region. Several people are interested in enabling local groups to build and share their local histories.
(by michael chalk)
