This paper will provide the context for your learning and preparation for discussion in the Open Source: Technology or People Driven presentation for the TAFE VC E Conference 2003.

You will be invited to participate in the asynchronous discussions in the forum provided for this topic in the WebCT environment of TAFE VC prior to the synchronous chat being conducted on Wednesday 12th of November at 2.00 pm. The Backstory and Current Practice descriptions contained in this paper, the narrative, will help set the scene for both of these activities.

The asynchronous discussions will focus upon the people drivers aspect and enable you to explore the current understanding of the position of open source architecture in an educational setting. The synchronous chat will feature an interview style conversation between Carole McCulloch, community manager of The Source and Jan Smith, principle developer and mentor for our Plone out-of-the-box environment, and will focus on the functionality of The Source and the effects upon the Communities of Practice that dwell within it.

For the most part we will attempt to avoid too much jargon but be aware that because of the nature of the Open Source there will be some new language to learn. If you'd also like to join us in The Source discussion forums later in November for follow up conversations about our journey please access these at the Zope, Plone and All that Jazz forum. Now Read On!

About the Presenter

Carole McCulloch was a Flexible Learning Leader for 2002; Flexible Learning Manager at Goulburn Ovens TAFE 2001 - 2003; Project Officer at TAFE frontiers; online voyager forever (well at least the last seven years.) Gemini star sign (get bored easily, always looking for new toys to play with e.g.. Voice chat and open source ware.) Love to write collaboratively on the web and especially interested in Digital Storytelling. Visit me in the Discuss Zone where I will be moderating for 2003. If you'd like a guided tour of the community please send me an email and I'll add you to the Community Tour groups. If you need advice on Flexible Learning materials and PD opportunities available from TAFE frontiers, please contact me via email. If you'd like to hear more about Digital Storytelling and its role in Knowledge Management please contact me.