We’re creating a set of _Community Discussions_ <https://docs.carpentries.org/topic_folders/instructor_development/instructor_discussion_sessions.html> - pre/post workshop discussions, themed discussions, and Carpentries Conversations - that will all qualify for the ‘discussion’ component of instructor training checkout and provide opportunities for more topics, more people to participate, and small group discussions. Read more below for all the details!
------------------------ With the help of the Instructor Development Committee, we’ve developed a plan that incorporates all of the _feedback we've received_ <https://github.com/carpentries/instructor-development/issues> from the community about the discussion session checkout requirement. To summarize, we have decreased the number of discussion sessions offered to put less strain on the Instructor Development Committee for finding hosts. We have also increased the number of slots for checkout participants in discussion sessions, and revised the host onboarding such that hosts know how to utilize Zoom rooms to manage a greater number of attendees. Lastly, several staff have committed to hosting one discussion session per month, so there should be less trouble finding hosts. Additionally, we are changing the language of the requirement. Trainees will be required to attend a *Community Discussion*. There will be three types of Community Discussions: 1. *Pre- and Post-Workshop Discussions*: For those getting ready to teach or having recently taught to discuss their workshop with the community. 2. *Themed Discussion Sessions*: Centered around a particular topic ranging anywhere from teaching your first workshop to community building strategies. 3. *Carpentries Conversations*: Hosted by one of our Committees or Task Forces to provide the community with the opportunity to learn about and discuss new developments and programs in our organisation. The slots for the *pre/post workshop discussions (in English)* are now open on the _community-discussions etherpad_ <https://pad.carpentries.org/community-discussions> (beginning at line 45) for January through March. If you would like to schedule a *Themed Discussion* or *Carpentries Conversation*, please complete _this form_ <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSen9_axxQ3_0FN5HjL7cyot9RzTdIGpOU16Wr1eatZblsfU7w/viewform>. You can also sign up as a co-host/notetaker. Lastly, I will be facilitating a discussion host onboarding on 7-January. You are encouraged to attend one of the onboarding sessions if you can. Details can be found on the _community-discussions etherpad_ <https://pad.carpentries.org/community-discussions>. All of the details are outlined in this _blog post_ <https://carpentries.org/blog/2018/12/announcing-carpentries-community-discussions/>. We appreciate ALL of your input and excitement about this opportunity! **Note, the link to the community-discussions etherpad is _https://pad.carpentries.org/community-discussions_ ------------------------------------------ The Carpentries: discuss Permalink: https://carpentries.topicbox.com/groups/discuss/T109dd859d01d8b71-M816e01b8db748063cd2192f5 Delivery options: https://carpentries.topicbox.com/groups/discuss/subscription
