Chapter 3 - Roles - a Typology

Generic And Specialised Roles In Online Groups

This document focuses on the small number of roles that are that are necessary in all online groups. Even specialised online groups (like CVEs and Online Learning Groups) require the generic roles though they also require certain specialised roles to be present.

The generic roles are:

• Project Owner
  
• Project Manager
  
• Designer
  
• Host
  
• Administrator
  
• Participant

People with these generic roles do not need to have the specialised roles fully developed but it is useful for them to be aware of them.

Some specialised roles are 'native' to specialised types of group. Others can be of use in a variety of types of group. Here are some specialised roles.

CVEs:

• Editor - [brief description could go here]
  
• Author
  
• Collaboration Facilitator
  
• Core Contributor
  
• Info Only

Online Learning Groups:

• Presenter
  
• Teacher
  
• Learner
  
• Mentor
  
• SME (subject matter expert)

Knowledge Place:

• Cybrarian

Psychological Groups:

• Therapeutic Guide

Other Specialised Roles:

• Facilitator
  
• Moderator 

Outline:

Links:

Mailing List Usability (Alertbox Aug. 2000)

Notes:

Draft: