LearnAbouts in Star Cafe Rooms

A. Summary:

A LearnAbout is a Star Café Community Room that has been designed to meet the needs of individuals or groups who are learning about a particular topic or skill. An updated version of this StarPoint is located at http://www.servingpeace.org/academy/Library/Public/LearnAbouts%20in%20the%20Star%20Cafe.doc.

B. Key Points:

· The purpose of a LearnAbout is to serve as the center for the exchange of information and advice for a specific community of users in AFSC and, by invitation, their working partners

· LearnAbouts provide the tools and resources to support and deepen the small group learning that occurs in CQs, including a troubleshooting guide, a discussion forum, a calendar of upcoming CQs and a gateway to related content in the Star Academy

· For corrections, updates, or clarifications on this Star Point, please email Bob Leming

C. Details:

LearnAbouts are Star Café Community Rooms that serve as the center for the exchange of information and advice for a specific community of users in the Star Cafe.

While a LearnAbout is often used by those participating in a CQ, it isn’t just a supplement, but an independent way of expanding users’ knowledge through the assorted forums and guides. Ideally, a LearnAbout can become the center of a community of users.

LearnAbouts are particularly well suited to meeting the needs of groups who are currently working together to master a particular subject, but they are also very useful for individuals looking to learn more or to refresh their understanding of skills or topics that are used infrequently.

StarPaths are a key component of most LearnAbouts. StarPaths are animated walkthroughs that use screen captures and voiceovers to replicate the experience for the benefit of visual learners. For an example, see these paths on using Skype: Skype Paths.

As users explore, they may make use of other tools in the LearnAbout:

· A directory of everyone within the wider AFSC Community who has an expressed interest or expertise in this topic

· A troubleshooting guide and a set of tips that might include “tricks of the trade”

· A discussion forum where users can ask/answer questions, exchange tips, and submit suggestions

· A calendar of upcoming CQs and other relevant events or dates

· A link to any relevant Star Points in the Star Academy

· A set of links to relevant external resources