PD-Intro-to-Online-Communities

Participants will learn how to set up and have student participation in online learning communities (blogs, nings, wikis) in the U.S. and globally to compare perspectives on a global problem or issue, and propose possible solutions as related to our 4th and 8th grade Technology Standards 8.1.4.C.1 and 8.1.8.C.1.
 * Introduction to Online Communities**

8.1.4.C.1: Engage in online discussions (e.g., UNICEF, Oracle (Thinkquest), i-Earn, blogs, wikis) with learners in the United States or from other countries to understand their perspectives on a global problem or issue.

8.1.8.C.1: Participate in an online learning community (e.g., i-Earn, Ning, blogs, wikis, Second Life) with learners from other countries to understand their perspectives on a global problem or issue, and propose possible solutions.


 * Online Communities for YOU **
 * @http://globaleducation.ning.com/
 * @http://www.classroom20.com/
 * @http://firesidelearning.ning.com/
 * @http://curriculum21.ning.com/

Our very own online community - NCS Connects: @http://ncs-tech.ning.com/

Blogs, Wikis, Docs: Which is right for your lesson? A Comparison Table

__**Blogs**__
 * Advantages
 * Truly global, open - students can interact with anyone in the world (teacher maintains control of all content)
 * Can be fully private
 * Flexible design, visually impressive look & feel
 * Powerful content controls, visual editor, support for embedding objects, images, etc.
 * Disadvantages
 * Can be more complex to administer & use
 * Student account management
 * Blogging Vehicles
 * NCS WordpressMU Server
 * Kidblog.org
 * School Fusion's "blog" (discussion board)

__**Nings**__
 * Advantages
 * Social networking foundation
 * Flexible design, visually impressive look & feel
 * Privacy controls
 * Disadvantages
 * Not truly open - students cannot interact with others unless part of the network (invitations/collaborations possible)
 * Account signup & management
 * Pearson Free "Ning Mini" Sponsorship Page

__**Wikis**__
 * Advantages
 * Simplicity
 * Flexibility
 * Speed
 * Disadvantages
 * Not user friendly as an editing tool
 * No simultaneous edits
 * Free Wikispaces wikis for educators (sign up page) ** <= USE THIS!!! **
 * Other wiki solutions:
 * PBWorks (formerly PBWiki)

__**Google Docs**__
 * Advantages
 * True global collaboration
 * Extremely powerful
 * Multiple simultaneous editors
 * Disadvantages
 * Administratively complex
 * Best for upper elementary & above
 * Access & Login - Google Apps for Education @ NCS (username & password required)

__**Other Solutions**__
 * Thinkquest - Oracle
 * Taking it Global
 * i-Earn



Attendees:


 * Baker, Sindy || sbaker@ncs-nj.org || ELEMENTARY ||
 * Brenner, Lynn || lbrenner@ncs-nj.org || MIDDLE ||
 * Casselman, Karen || kcasselman@ncs-nj.org || MIDDLE ||
 * Donovan, Lynda || ldonovan@ncs-nj.org || MIDDLE ||
 * Doyle, Linda || ldoyle@ncs-nj.org || MIDDLE ||
 * Edelmann, Shana || sedelmann@ncs-nj.org || ELEMENTARY ||
 * Ferguson, Carol || cferguson@ncs-nj.org || MIDDLE ||
 * Hedrich, Antoinette || ahedrich@ncs-nj.org || ELEMENTARY ||
 * Petitgout, Amy || apetitgout@ncs-nj.org || MIDDLE ||
 * Polak, Kristen || kpolak@ncs-nj.org || MIDDLE ||
 * Serago, Krystle || kserago@ncs-nj.org || ELEMENTARY ||
 * Shami, Angela || ashami@ncs-nj.org || ELEMENTARY ||
 * Smith, Lynne || lsmith@ncs-nj.org || MIDDLE ||