1. Preparing for the “real world”
NYC 12th Annual Conference for Working Peer Specialists July 19, 2018

2. Preparing for the “real world” Objectives… able to identify:
Benefits and limitations of online learning
Real world challenges faced by peer specialists and their supervisors
Skills needed to meet these challenges
Ways to gain these needed skills
NYC Conference July 19, 2018

3. Preparing for the “real world” Benefits of online learning
Low cost
Convenient (no travel required)
Flexible (learn at your own pace)
Common language (everyone taking same courses)
Consistent delivery (same approach)
Support staff available (during business hours)
NYC Conference July 19, 2018

4. Preparing for the “real world” Limitations of online learning
Computer knowledge and access is required
Mostly knowledge-based, limited interaction with peers or practice of skills with feedback
Requires discipline to stay on task
Getting support for learning takes some effort
Scheduled “down time” between terms
NYC Conference July 19, 2018

5. Preparing for the “real world” Beyond online learning
Supervision (2000 hours of supervised work)
Training programs, workshops, conferences
Mentoring with experienced peer providers
Supervising with experienced peer providers (group supervision, consulting with experienced peers)
Communities of practice (support for the supporters)
NYC Conference July 19, 2018

6. Preparing for the “real world”
Brainstorm #1
What are some of the ‘real world’ issues that peer specialists and supervisors face?
NYC Conference July 19, 2018

7. Preparing for the “real world”
Brainstorm #2
What do peer specialists and supervisors do now to gain the skills they need to meet these “real world” challenges?
NYC Conference July 19, 2018

8. Preparing for the “real world”
Brainstorm #3
What else could peer specialists or supervisors do to learn the critical skills for meeting “real world” challenges?
NYC Conference July 19, 2018

9. Preparing for the “real world” Virtual Learning Community
Project of the Academy of Peer Services
Designed to translate knowledge into practice
Community meetings on 2nd and 4th Tuesday
Peer to peer support in the planning stages
Similar support for supervisors under discussion
Watch the monthly Newsletter for more information
NYC Conference July 19, 2018

10. Preparing for the “real world”
Join Us for the Next Live Virtual Learning Community Event!
Coming Attractions: Academy of Peer Services
Thursday, August 9, :00 am - 12:00 pm 
NYC Conference July 19, 2018

11. Preparing for the “real world” Academy Fall Term starts August 27
New (contemporary) website design
Changes to enrollment
Navigation
Learning pathways
Master certificate
Accessible versions of courses
NYC Conference July 19, 2018

12. Preparing for the “real world”
Added Assistance
Clarification between APS and NYPSCB
New Module about the Certification process
Webinar introducing new features (August 9)
Exhibits at NYAPRS (Sept 12-14) and NYPSCB (Oct 25-26) conferences for hands on help
Ongoing user support through NYAPRS
NYC Conference July 19, 2018

13. Preparing for the “real world”
Thank you!
NYC Conference July 19, 2018

14. Preparing for the “real world”
Virtual Learning Community
Amy Spagnolo, PhD, CPRP
Academy of Peer Services Project Manager
Rita Cronise, MS
Academy of Peer Services, Virtual Learning Community Coordinator
Varsha Kamat
Academy of Peer Services, Web and Technical Support
Maryam Husamudeen
Academy of Peer Services, User Support through NYAPRS
NYC Conference July 19, 2018