Week 9 Reflection

This week I played with Slack. I find the layout of the application interesting. It seems to be a combination of Discord and Microsoft Teams. The use of "channels" is very reminicent of Discord, however, the format and the ability to either do group messages or direct messages opperates the same as Teams. This week, I also found a great example of an instructor who effectively created a community for her students. On Youtube, there is a channel called Learning the Harp. On this channel, the instructor teaches the viewer how to play the harp and any other instructions on how to properly play and care for the instrument.The instructor also has a website were she offers a pre-recorded beginners course and a membership that includes access to the full website library, private zoom meetings with the instructor and access to the membership community. After discovering this website, Facebook suggested to me the accompanying Facebook group. I was so suprrised to realize the group was created by the same person. This confirmed for me that she is a leader in the online harp niche online. After doing some browsing, it was clear that each space is complimentary but has a defined purpose. The Youtube provides free video instruction to help members of the public who are interested in learning how to play the harp. It also introduces new members to her community. It is a gateway and entry point. The website offers a free beginners course, but primarily houses her paid services. The Facebook page provides learners community support. There anyone interested in the harp can share their progress or ask questions. Many people share videos of their performances, others, like myself, ask for advice from the more experienced members. The teacher also occassionally makes posts advertizing free classes she is offering. Her most recent post, she advertized a free workshop teaching how to sight-read while playing. As I was going through her platforms and content, I was impressed with the system she has developed. It seems very well-thought out and addresses the different levels of community and provides different levels of support a learner may need throughout the learning process. Youtube is the primary gateway. At this point, the viewer is an observer of the community.They are here either out of curiosity or they are looking to resolve a specific issue. Facebook is the next level. The viewer is looking to interact and become an active member of the community. The Facebook page enables the viewer to ask questions and interact directly with others who share their interest. The teacher also offers free courses to draw the viewer in. The final level is the website. This is where the teacher provides additional paid resourses and more detailed instruction. This is where the viewer goes to become an official insider of the community.The main thing I think is missing from the Facebook community is direct interaction from the teacher, though that may be reserved for the community within the website.