OT's & PT's Riding Google Wave

Google Wave is a new platform trying to re-imagine online communication. The two brothers that created Google Maps came up with with Google Wave as a platform that combines the best parts of email, twitter and chat rooms into a new and innovative way to communicate. This is is a very new tool. It's still in beta(the testing stage) but that hasn't stopped 10 bajillion people from getting early access and using it. I was lucky enough to be involved with one of the first groups to test the software outside of Google and think there is quite a bit of potential there. 

If you haven't heard of Google Wave let start by pulling you out from under that giant rock. Scan through this video from Insanelygreatmac.com after the break for a quick overview:

Even therapists are getting into it. I did some quick searches through Wave and was pleased to find 4 different conversations happening there for Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists. 

• Occupational Therapy - Research & Practice: Discussions of OT literature and how it relates to practice
• The First Physical Therapy Wave: For PT's & PTA's to share ideas and collaborate
• Occupational Therapy Practitioners: A place to share ideas and connect with other OT/OTA's
• Speech Therapist Wavers: Share work settings and talk about communication disorders

Comments like this one from Heather Millar were common:

Claire Hayward and I are currently working on a presentation on how social networking tools such as Twitter allow Occupational Therapists to listen to, and better understand the needs and perspectives of service users.

The way people communicate is changing at a rapid pace. In the future it's going to be imperative for your practice to be able to communicate with it's audience quickly and effectively and using newer tools like Wave is part of that trend. We're thrilled to see people early to the game trying to figure out how best to harness these and we'll keep you posted on best practices and tips. 

Let us know if you'd like to try Wave out for yourself, we've got a handful of invites left to send out! Add us if you're using it: spotonchicago@googlewave.com