Leslie Dare

Co-working is a really intriguing concept and I know all sorts of folks, including myself, who are already doing this. I just didn't know it had a name! One blog defines co-working as "... a movement to create cafe-like community/collaboration spaces for developers, writers and independents."

All sorts of NC State folks engage in a version of co-working. I see colleagues all the time at local coffee shops, restuarants and even our dining halls who are working and meeting with others. Lots of laptops, cell and smart phones and other mobile devices. And tying it all together is wireless access.  I guess part of it is just getting out of the office, so maybe that in itself isn't co-working. But it often turns into a collaboration when you run into someone you know and the conversation turns to work. Suddenly you are networking and scheduling meetings and making notes. That informal interaction suddenly has real value. And sometimes it is quite intentional. A conversation with a colleague about a recent working lunch centered on where we could go on and off campus that would have decent wireless coverage.

Students are doing this all over campus, in deliberate and accidental learning spaces: in the residence halls, at the Student Center, the dining halls, Tucker Beach, all over.

The reason I'm posting on this topic is the technology connection. Clearly it is mobile technology that has allowed this to occur more and more. This seems to be a movement that will continue to grow.