TFORUM is an electronic listserv where people from around the world discuss theories, research, new paradigms, and practices in the field of Instructional Technology. ITFORUM is sponsored by the Department of Instructional Technology at The University of Georgia. The list is open to anyone interested in instructional technology (a special invitation is extended to graduate students in IT programs).

ITFORUM is a little different from most listservs in that specific discussions are conducted throughout the year. From September to May, leaders in the field are invited to write a short paper or essay that is posted on the list prior to discussion. This guest discussant remains available electronically on the list for a period of one week to discuss, debate, or answer questions from subscribers.

The Moderator for the list, Dan Surry of The University of South Alabama coordinates and facilitates discussions and handles the day-to-day management of the list. Lloyd Rieber of The University of Georgia, who started ITFORUM in 1994, serves as "Moderator Emeritus" and provides advice, expertise, and assistance with list management.

It's useful to compare discussions on ITFORUM with those of a hallway chat between colleagues after hearing a really good presentation at a conference. Our hope is that ITFORUM will be a place where people feel free to make more casual comments about issues confronting the field rather than the usual hardcore, often stuffy, academic rhetoric. One important distinction between ITFORUM and these hallway chats is that everyone has the chance to discuss the talk with the speaker/s and with colleagues from around the world (especially those without Ph.D.s - in fact, rank has little meaning on ITFORUM). You should not feel you have to labor days on a comment or question before you post it. We also feel that "lurking" is a perfectly acceptable form of participation. We like to think of ourselves as a friendly bunch who are willing to share our ideas and knowledge of instructional technology with one another.

>> Proceed to IT Forum

To subscribe to ITForum send the following message:

SUBSCRIBE ITFORUM Firstname Lastname

to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU. (With no subject, no other content, and with "signatures" turned off in your message.)

After you subscribe, you will receive an email message with detailed information and other useful listserv commands - please remember to keep this message for future reference.

If you have any problems, please contact Dan Surry.