Unit 4: Collaborative Electronic Communication
Unit Overview
In Unit 2, the most basic electronic communication tools and environments
were presented: e-mail and listservs. Unit 4 invites students to gain advanced
electronic communication skills by learning about Web-based forums and chats.
E-Mail (asynchronous) is for one-to-one and one-to-many communication. Forums
(asynchronous) and chats (synchronous) are group communications.
By involving students in Web-based "community services,"
such as forums and chats, we help them recognize the most important quality
of the Web: its potential for interactivity and community building. These communication
tools and environments can help students (1) research the most up-to-date information
by reading material discussed on forums (often provided by experts); (2) improve
their writing skills; and (3) improve their communication skills within a wide
and potentially diverse audience. Forums and chats are social spaces and social
opportunities on the Web. Students learn about life in a global society, learn
about other cultures, and develop respect for differences. Activities in this
unit provide evidence that contradicts those detractors or critics of technology
who claim the computer is an individual and antisocial instrument.
Helping teachers and students participate in online forms of communication
without the unfortunate risk that can be associated with unmonitored participation
is the goal of Unit 4. Districts and schools may have some issues involved with
student participation in forums, listservs, or chats. Local policies and restrictions
should be reviewed before beginning these activities.
This unit introduces Gen www.Y students to the growing world of online communication. Students will learn how to find, read, and contribute to group interactions. The more people communicate, the more hope we all have for problem-solving, understanding, and tolerance.
Activities & Prioritized Objectives
Following the completion of Unit 4, students will be able to:
| Activity 1—Learning about Forums | ||
| 1.1 | Identify different types of forums | |
| 1.2 | Identify the benefits available to students who participate in forums | |
| 1.3 | Review appropriate behavior and attitude when communicating online. (See Unit, which discusses e-Mail and netiquette.) | |
| 1.4 | Access the OCN (Online Collaborative Network), the forum on the Gen www.Y Web site | |
| 1.5 | Understand and follow the rules and procedures for student participation on the OCN | |
| 1.6 | Access, read, post, and delete messages on an online forum | |
| 1.7 | Identify potential uses and benefits of Gen www.Y student involvement with the OCN | |
| Activity 2—Learning about Chats | ||
| 2.1 | Identify different types of chats | |
| 2.2 | Identify the benefits available to students who participate in chats | |
| 2.3 |
Identify issues of student confidentiality and safety concerting Internet chats |
|
| 2.4 | Explore the real-time chat opportunity on the OCN site | |
| Activity 3—Planning or Facilitating a Communications Project | ||
| 3.1 | Understand the basic procedures for students to participate in a forum or chat | |
| 3.2 | Identify potential issues of privacy, safety, and security for students involved in online communication | |
| 3.3 | Identify and define the role of a Gen www.Y student in a forum or chat-based project | |
The lessons which support these objectives are included in The Generation
www.Y Program and Curriculum Guide, available from:
International Society for Technology Education
(ISTE), or by calling 1-800-336-5191.