Learning in Creative Chaos

Officer Down Memorial Page

I know this doesn't necessarily "fit in" with the theme of this blog, but I wanted to have it for future reference's sake.

All of us in the instructional design program here at South have learned about how online and distance learning through interactive websites can assist in training for military, police, etc. What I've learned in the last week, however, is that such websites also offer a way to reinforce community--that thin blue line that I was gently reminded last week that those who aren't a part of it can never truly understand. The World Wide Web allows those in uniform to celebrate together, share news and warnings and, in the case of the site mentioned here, mourn together. After talking to several local officers, I learned that websites like this one help them tremendously in building and maintaining a sense of community with officers from all over the country and the world. My impression from them was that this is as important to them as using the web for training (partially because many training ideas are spread through these websites as well).

As for ODMP.org, I would just as soon not found out about it at all, considering I learned about it and talked to the officers about the web (and a lot of other things) while we were all waiting in line at a friend's wake. Mikey's page starts here. Having seen it grow since the evening I first learned of it--with posts from people from all over the world, many of whom knew Mike well and many who didn't--I think I can understand in a small way how online organizations such as this one helps the family left behind--both the blood family and the "blue" one.

posted by Stash @ 10:29 PM