Dear Colleagues:
We've been using this new platform for our online group for a couple of years now. What tips and strategies do you use to maximize your participation in the COPs? Participation could mean reading, researching, and/or contributing to discussions.
Here are hacks I use, but some work better only when others use them, too.
1) 
"Like This"
Each post has a link at the bottom called "Like This". If you read the post and find it interesting or useful, click on "Like This". Later when you are skimming a discussion thread (and perhaps you're short on time) you will see the number of likes next to each contributor's name and avatar. That may help you decide where to focus your limited time.
2) "Bookmark This"
Next to "Like This" at the bottom of posts is "Bookmark This". Want to refer back to a post? Bookmark it and access your bookmarks later, from the Bookmark tab near the top of your screen.
3) "Immediate" versus "12 Hour Digest" Subscription Options
"12 Hour Digest" is the default setting for receiving email notices of posts. I'm a BIG fan of receiving email in "Immediate" format. Think about it. If a discussion is important to you, do you want to spend time once every 12 hours wading through a list of digested posts from all of the groups to which you are subscribed? Then by the time you have a moment respond you're late "getting to the table"? Take advantage of the easy option to change your subscription settings from 12 Hour Digest to Immediate. Then change it back when the discussion seems to be over. Go to My LINCS. Scroll down to see the list of groups to which you are subscribed. Choose Immediate from the drop down next to the EBPD Group and click Save at the bottom of the page.
4) Browser Default
Set your browser to default to the LINCS Community when launched and log in once each day. Some people check their Facebook posts each day. Why not also check for posts in your online COP?
5) Refresh
Keep a discussion thread that's important to you open in a tab on your browser. Refresh the view during lunch or breaks.
6) Share
On every page, bottom right, is a box where you can invite others to join the EBPD Group, just enter the email addresses in the box provided. Share your favorite posts by clicking on the social media icon(s) at the bottom (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter).
7) Comment and Reply
"Conversation is the way we humans think together." If advancing your field of practice is important to you, then ask questions, offer advice from your experience. Listen, reflect, and be willing to have your assumptions challenged -- and respectfully challenge others. Help, invite others who have something to contribute to join, and seek opportunities to collaborate in areas of similar interests.
This last one is most important to me. "There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." (Margaret Wheatley) Professional development is where my heart is -- because when teachers learn together, we help our students succeed. Help me learn what you care most about in professional development.
Please share your tips for getting the most out of your favorite LINCS COPs. And don't for get, "Like This"!
I look forward to hearing from you,
Jackie Taylor
EBPD Group Moderator