Out-of-School Time Resource Center New Electronic Bulletin Board

Posted by on December 2, 2005

NEW OSTRC-EBB!

The Out-of-School Time Resource Center (OSTRC) is pleased to introduce its new OSTRC Electronic Bulletin Board (EBB): a virtual forum for discussion, idea-sharing, and problem-solving among the out-of-school time (OST) community.

Question: What is an Electronic Bulletin Board (EBB)?
Answer: An EBB is a web-based discussion forum which allows users to congregate, share ideas, and interact virtually.

Question: How does an EBB work?
Answer: Users can access the EBB from the OSTRC Interactive page
http://www.sp2.upenn.edu/ostrc/interactive.html. After logging in, they may select a topic by clicking the appropriate heading. Users may then view previous and ongoing comments, reply to a topic, or start a new topic by selecting the appropriate tab. Further instructions are available on the forum main page.

Question: Who is the OSTRC-EBB for?
Answer: The OSTRC-EBB invites participation from both administrative and direct-service OSTstaff. It is intended primarily for local/regional OST staff but welcomes all interested individuals.

Question: What kind of questions or comments get posted?
Answer: Discussion topics can range from classroom management tips to new curriculum, research, and funding resources. Inappropriate language, comments, and users will be quickly removed.

Question: How is the OSTRC-EBB different from the OSTRC Listserv?
Answer: The OSTRC Listserv distributes monthly e-mail messages containing pertinent resources and opportunities. The OSTRC-EBB offers peer-networking opportunities by allowing users to actively participate in ongoing discussions.

Question: How is the OSTRC-EBB different from the on-line discussions in PPAS, SAC-L, K12-SL, etc.?
Answer: Unlike these similar venues, the OSTRC-EBB has a primarily local focus, is web-based, and offers “rapid dialogue.”

Question: Where can I view other examples of EBB’s?
Answer: The following EBB examples feature open discussion formats (which are not OST-specific):
http://forums.atozteacherstuff.com
http://pub86.ezboard.com/bfoosball6358

Question: What if I need additional help?
Answer: Please contact John Price III, OSTRC Communications Coordinator:
(215) 898-0793 or johnep@sp2.upenn.edu