Electronic Practice Fields

Practice fields need to be designed with team learning in mind and designed so that they resemble real work situation(s) as closely as possible. Practice fields can be anything from a sketchpad where concepts can be "played with" to "virtual worlds" where elaborate technologies are used that allow experimentation and simulation of real situations.

Practice fields for high performance technology teams should include technology-based practice fields. Technology-based practice fields take advantage of the computer's ability to compress time and space by manipulating multiple variables simultaneously. Practice fields that utilize technology help teams expose implicit assumptions and challenge mental models more efficiently because of the ability to expose many processes at the same time (technology eliminates the one person thinking and talking at one time).

The most effective learning often is in the form of "learning by doing," or by trying things out and learning in "real time." The learning by doing process, however, does not always provide the needed instantaneous feedback from actions. Senge describes this as an "organizational learning disability" and states that while learning is most effective from experiences, seldom are there opportunities to experience consequences of many decisions (1995).

Practice fields offer a simulation of reality where it is safe to play with possible scenarios and routines. Learning through practice provides ideas that can be developed and applied in real time situations. Practice fields provide "neutral ground" for teams to expand their activities and to make decisions without fearing consequences.

A Learning Approach to Teams

Collaboration

Characteristics of Electronic Practice Fields

• Electronic practice is driven by a clear purpose that is supported by all team members.
• Electronic practice is spontaneous and in the control of the various independent team members.
• Electronic practice involves continuous interaction among the team through various media ranging from e-mail to video conferencing.
• Electronic practice is captured automatically leaving a record of all interactions and processes.
• Electronic practice occurs with multiple leaders, but with a distinct absence of hierarchy.
• Electronic practice fields are boundaryless with few if any rules.

Checklist for Establishing Electronic Practice Fields

• Strive to have fun. An enjoyable experience will do much for keeping the team active and excited. Keep the technology working and provide immediate service on problems. Frustration from the technology not working properly will interfere with commitment.
• Strive to communicate with teammates electronically as soon as possible. Begin immediately communicating online so that new habits are formed quickly, and for helping to resist the temptation to revert to old ways of communicating.
• Strive to use addressing mechanisms such as listserves and bulletin boards so all team members can read messages. Including everyone is very important. Use mechanisms that help provide information to all team members. Do not leave anyone out of the process.
• Strive to use all team members' names in greetings. Making the process informal helps build a comfort level with the technology as well as build team relationships. Strive to let the other teammates get to know you personally.
• Strive to express appreciation for ideas and suggestions. Strive to give honest and open feedback. Building trust online is difficult because many of the physical cues are missing. Use all communication techniques possible such as appreciation and honesty for building trust online.
• Strive to make positive comments first, before suggesting ways in which the other team members can improve. Positive approaches to communication are more effective than negative approaches in all communication forms.
• Strive to respond to teammates within one business day. Frustration occurs when there is not a timely response to communication, just as one becomes frustrated when telephone calls are not returned.

Cautions with Electronic Practice Fields

$Some face-to-face team meetings can be beneficial in terms of building relationships though not necessary.

$An overlap between practice and real work subtly occurs to the point where there is not a clear distinction; work becomes practice for further work.

$ The pace of change is driven by technology thus technology may be the target for resentments.

Last updated: March 10, 1998