Purpose of position
From your comfy couch, office, or public library, provide valuable feedback and constructive coaching to Vital Signs Investigators via the commenting function in the Vital Signs website. Reinforce and spark learning by initiating and contributing to discussion forums. Help connect issues of local and statewide concern with the data published by Investigators.
Benefits to you
- Learn more about where native and invasive species are being found (and not found) across Maine
- Reinforce and coach student learning in areas of keen interest to you (writing skills, observation skills, photography skills, civic engagement)
- Influence and inspire the next generation of citizens, environmental stewards, educators, and scientists
Responsibilities & Tasks
- Register as a Vital Signs user
- Familiarize yourself with the Vital Signs website, sampling methods, and species identification resources (trainings offered to assist the orientation process)
- Connect with teachers who are looking for someone with your expertise to reinforce specific skills or learning through comments on species observations and projects (match-making facilitated by the Vital Signs Team)
- Log in regularly during peak field season to browse new observations and projects
- Provide thoughtful and constructive comments on species observations and projects
- Online conversations may be started with Investigators as they ask follow-up questions, or solicit more information or advice from you
- Periodically contribute to online discussions and blog
- Contribute provocative questions to the Challenges & Requests forum to engage the community with meaningful questions to investigate
Necessary Qualifications
- Desire to share your expertise with and learn from an online community
- Access to and comfort using a computer with Internet access
- Patience and the desire to coach others in writing, publishing quality observations, and supporting claims with great written and photo evidence
Training & Support
A two-day training session is offered to orient Armchair Coaches to the Vital Signs program, provide specific training with our online communication tools, and connect with fellow Coaches. Each cohort develops norms for commenting, practices with tools, and leaves the training with the confidence to fulfill their new role as Armchair Coach. Periodic social gatherings are offered as a way to stay connected and celebrate our collective contributions to Vital Signs.
Time Commitment
Your time commitment will vary from season to season, and will depend greatly on your appetite for involvement. Minimal involvement looks like this:
- The online registration process takes 1 – 2 minutes
- We recommend that you spend a few minutes exploring the site
- We ask that you log in weekly, and spend approximately 1 hour browsing or commenting. More of your time is always welcome.
