Online Communities

Topics Social Networking Online Work Spaces Virtual Learning Environments User-Generated Reference Sites

Social Networking Social Networking utilises the internet to communicate by: – Text – Voice – Video Various methods of social networking are available: – Social Networks (eg Facebook) Social Networks (eg Facebook) – IM (Instant Messaging) IM (Instant Messaging) – Blogs Blogs – Forums Forums – VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

Social Networks Allows you to post pictures, videos and messages. Can respond to other peoples posts Requires usernames/passwords Join ‘communities’ with similar likes Issues of security/personal data/identity

IM Chat in ‘real-time’ via messages (eg mobile phone) Instantaneous delivery – not necessarily instantaneous response 1 to 1 or small groups for messages

Blogs Online diaries that can contain text, images, videos Normally a persons collection of thoughts on a topic(s) of their interest Can also be used to ‘help/support’ purposes. Generally they are one way communication although most blogs do have a comments section

Forums Discussion areas on the internet that allow people to post and answer questions Often used in gaming for support/help/hints etc or in software support Users can post in real time but answers may not be instantaneous Accuracy of information can be an issue

VoIP Using the Internet to speak/phone to somebody Cheap (or free) as the connection is already there, but quality will depend of the internet connection.

Online Work Spaces Allows users to save and access work remotely, share files and work on projects at the same time as others. (Think Google Drive) Information can be accessed on a variety of devices which have internet access Passwords/usernames required

Virtual Learning Environments Allow registered users access to learning resources and materials. Often used by Universities for Distance Learning Students can; access materials, take tests, watch videos, contact tutors, upload assignments Teachers can; post lessons, materials, mark tests, view student progress

User-Generated Reference Sites Sites which are created or personalised by a group of people working collaboratively. Users can add own content to the site (think Wikipedia) Information can be gathered from a wide range of sources However, the information may not always be accurate

Practice Paper Click to Download