! RIC Curriculum

Main elements of the curriculum:

• understand the relation between content and local impact and the information needs of various target groups
• know about sources and ways to access relevant information and the ways to distill knowledge
• know how to run a place of access and learning in a local community

Discuss

AndriusKulikauskas: Franz and all, I would like to propose my paper [OpenLeader/OpenLeader We Learn to Stick Our Necks Out] as an outline of a curriculum for Regional Information Coaches. I describe the development of a self-learner and the importance of working openly and learning openly as they are able to assert themselves with regard to the world. This is a path of development as a leader. It is grounded inside of us, and gradually manifests itself in our ability to spark and support that in others. Each stage is supported by tools and community that are relevant for such growth. Also, the process takes place in the context of a global community. I think this curriculum is fundamentally sound (although there is much to develop further) and we have some evidence for its effectiveness (especially as witnessed by our chats and letters) as adults are able to grow in maturity. A challenge now is to make such a curriculum attractive to authorities. This is very much the challenge that Gorbachev faced in fostering glastnost (openness) and perestroika (reform). We can try to bring this spirit to regional governments and corporations that want to motivate their constituents. In doing so, I encourage ERDE to take credit for the achievements of our Minciu Sodas laboratory and Open Leader network. Please think of our system as an outcome of ERDE, and in large part it is because of the catalyzing role that Franz Nahrada has played as a regional information coach by fleshing out our understanding of an Investigatorius as the leader of our working group (Global Villages) which serves to openly foster his leadership. I propose that We Learn to Stick Our Necks Out be the theme for the RICBrochure along with images of ostriches, turtles and giraffes, so that readers of the brochure might understand that the Internet lets us go beyond our region, learn from others, and gain inspiration as we apply ourselves locally. The Internet is a source of strength so that we might stick our necks out locally - it is a leverage point that keeps us from falling over.

HelmutLeitner: If I understand this corrrectly then the RIC is a new interface between a local and a global reality. This means he should have all relevant knowledge (especially about existing global and local communities) and be able to connect them building on his own relationships. If this is correct, then he needs:

• computer literacy ("run the place", teaching)
• general communication and cooperation skills (openness, broadness of interests)
• internet literacy (information retrieveal)
• practical economic knowledge and skills (thinking & teaching)
• online community networking (awareness, literacy)
• real world community networking (awareness, unfolding of participation)
• English (accessing information resources, international communities)