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Educational
material for participants
Materials developed
by participants
Formal communication/
dialogue online
Communication with
programs in other cities
Discussion
Internet pages can support programs as an active tool for delivering programs. Internet can become another resource in program delivery or a structured activity for program participants.
Material participants are expected to review can be online. This allows appropriate material to be available as needed . Participants can access material on their own schedules. This reduces the time that staff contact needs to be spent on factual details. Time with participants can focus on orientation, assessment, answering participant questions and encouraging participation and communication.
Participants may be involved in developing Internet materials for use by others. Such work can be an important part of individual development or education. Participants are given the opportunity to make a contribution to a growing community resource.
Participants may communicate with staff or with each other online. This may aid in problem identification, critical thinking, stating preferences or setting priorities.
Internet communication may support the building of bonds among participants. (It is unlikely, however, that online communication can substitute for face to face communication.)
Programs may use Internet to link participants from different places. This broadens the range of exposure of participants and can lead to sharing information and insights not available in a small local group.