If you would like to connect with others who share your interest in a particular subject area or topic, mailing distribution lists, called "listservs", are a great vehicle. While some listservs are distribution only (such as a newsletter sent via e-mail), most provide for two-way discussion. Participants send their messages to a host computer, which then distributes them to other participants who have subscribed to the list. Some have moderators who check to make sure the posts are appropriate to the list's purpose.
Almost any subject you can think of has a listserv dedicated to it. LSoft, the company behind LISTSERV software, has a searchable catalogue of more than 20,000 lists at: http://lsoft.com/catalist.html.
MAILING LIST TIPS: ·
- To avoid being overwhelmed by e-mail messages, pick your lists carefully and know how to "unsubscribe" to them!
- Save the instructions sent when you subscribe. Set up a folder for each listserv and move relevant messages into it.
- People who don't post are referred to as "lurkers". While you can learn in this passive mode, it will never compare to the benefits of introducing yourself and interacting with your listserv colleagues.
- Learn where your messages go when you hit reply; some
listservs send to the person who posted, while others send to the entire list.
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SOME LISTS TO CHECK OUT:
EDTECH - a broad educational technology forum
listserv@msu.edu
EDRES-L - educational resources on the net
edres-l@listserv.unb.ca
HILITES - K-12 classroom-based collaborative learning projects
listserv@gsn.org
MULTC-ED - sponsored by the National Assoc. for Multicultural Education
listserv@umdd.umd.edu
LRN-ED - providing general support and info for K-12 educators
listserv@listserv.syr.edu
TIE-L - General technology in education list
listserv@listserv.uvm.edu
FLTEACH - forum for foreign language educators
listserv@listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu
TESL-L - discussion group for ESL teachers
listserv@cunyvm.cuny.edu
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