Establishing+Learning+Communities

 Our WIKI SPACES Classes spent several months last year experimenting with ‘wikis’ (collections of web pages) that enabled others to keep in touch with their learning using simple non-interactive web sites. Children were thrilled to find that their writing, artwork and experiences were being viewed not only by their families but also by people from all around New Zealand and the world. This year, we are taking the wiki concept one step further by establishing our own online learning communities. These are based on ‘Web 2.0’. Web 2.0 aims to enhance the [|creativity], communications, secure information sharing, collaboration and functionality of the world wide web and is very much how our children will be interacting and learning in the future. Our wikis are not social networks where people engage in chit chat discussions online - they are learning networks and discussions are related to learning intentions. However, it is still vital that all children know what their online responsibilities are. Hence, they will learn about online safety and the appropriate use of a learning network. When ready, they will sign a contract stating that they will comply with their responsibilities. Membership of a wiki space can and will be stopped at any time if compliance with these responsibilities becomes a problem. Please complete the **__@Wiki Space Permission Form__** indicating preferences for your child. 

How can I be involved as a parent or caregiver? Read the wiki and leave comments. Discuss the content with your child. Offer suggestions for them to consider. You could become part of their Learning Network? **// We don’t have access to the internet at home, so what do we do? //** Children will have many opportunities to use the internet at school. There is no need for the children to be online at home unless it is to share with you what they are up to! Those who do not have the internet at home should let us know and we can make arrangements for sharing at school.

What are the safety issues? Our sites are ‘protected’, meaning that anyone can view the pages, but only members can edit them. People can become a member of a wiki only if they have been invited to do so or if they ask the administrator to join. Class teachers are our administrators. To ensure online safety at all times, students will be instructed to:
 * use their first names only
 * use as little personal information as possible
 * only use and upload appropriate images of themselves as has been agreed to by their parents/caregivers on our ICT Home-School Agreement.
 * NOT meet with any online contacts at anytime
 * NOT accept any requests to communicate privately with contacts

This sounds exciting so where can I learn more? Check out these amazing people and find out what they say is important for learners and educators in the 21st Century. [] http://21stcenturylearning.wikispaces.com/ http://willrichardson.wikispaces.com/

 Establishing an online learning community became a priority and an essential part of this was internet safety. Watching my own children growing up in our Multi Literate Society, has lead me to realise that the so-called Digital Natives require Guided reading and writing online as much if not more than in the classroom...  media type="custom" key="4494360"