Covenants - From Fear of Isolation to Trust in the Group
According to the Handbook of Online Learning:
- A covenant is important because if it is not made explicitly for a shared intention, then other frameworks will come into play unseen and haphazardly, either reinforcing the status quo or imposing the agenda of the most forceful speakers.
- Especially in a newly formed group, the framework will tend to be governed by issues of fear, status, protection of safe retreats, or imposition of safely controlled areas of expertise.
- The choice of languages – and the choices of the questions raised – will happen for private or unseen agendas.
- A deliberate covenant provides a clearer choice of language, a more deliberate focus of issues, and more inclusive participation in establishing the framework of working together.
- Emphasis shifts from a defensive mode of “What can I say?” to a more open stance of “What can I hear?”.