Opening the circle is concerned with setting the culture and establishing the practice for learning circle interactions. The goal in arranging people in learning is to maximize diversity and then use that diversity as a resource. However for diversity to be a resource, there needs to be a high level of trust and respect.

Note: All activities from this phase on will take place in collaboration spaces and using communication tools. A recommended collaboration space for your learning circle is a wiki.  Click here to download the PBWorks Manual (PBWorks is free for educational  use).

The activities is this phase are related to:

1. Using the tools – we will learn to use the wiki and other tools that you have chosen as we conduct the activities that follow.
2. Building community
3. Collaborative learning skills
4. Setting expectations

Activity 2.2.1 – Building community

Time: 1 hour (if you are in a workshop) or 1 day (if you are collaborating online)

A central goal of the first meeting is to create trust and respect that underlies group work and knowledge building. The telling of both personal and professional stories is a powerful way to begin the process of building relationships.  Often you can provide better help to another person if you  know something about who they are and who they are trying to become.

1. It is assumed that your group wiki has been created.
2. Create a personal wiki page that you will use for a personal introduction and ongoing reflection of the learning circle experience. On this page introduce yourself by including information such as:
   • Your name, your institution and the subject(s)/ services you offer.
   • An image of yourself
   • Personal information about your hobbies and interests
   • Your aspirations as an educator
   • Your expectations of the learning circle

Activity 2.2.2 – Collaborative learning skills

Time: 1 hour (if you are in a workshop) or 2 days (if you are collaborating online)

Identity is a closely tied to learning.  Who we are is shaped by who we associate with. Each person makes a contribution to the group identity.  The group identity will shape the forms and process of learning. So activities that help  participants reflect on their identity will help initiate the learning process.

1. One member sets up a Group Identity page.
2. Collaborate on this wiki page (even if you are currently in the same room) through writing, editing and comments, to form a group identity. Give your learning circle project a name and a visual identity.

Activity 2.2.3 – Defining expectations

Time: 1 hour (if you are in a workshop) or 2 days (if you are collaborating online)

This is another way in which the group can communicate with each other and build a sense of trust so that there are no real surprises when the group starts to actively work on their projects.

1. One member sets up a Circle Norms.
2. Each group member contributes one expectation of the group and the learning circle interaction. Ac expectation should be expressed in terms of what kind of behaviour you would expect from other members of the circle.
3. Comment on the contributions and reach a consensus about the final set of circle norms.

Source: onlinelearningcircles