Online Communities

01 Types, purpose and functionality of websites that support information

exchange within online communities

The types of websites for this key knowledge is defined by VCAA as including:

blogs chat rooms forums social networking wikis

Types of online communitiesSocialWork- relatedProject/interest based

BlogsWhat is a Blog?

A website that is arranged in reverse chronological order, that publicises personal thought, ideas, opinions and that can include videos, images, text.

It’s updated on a regular basis and is very much like a personal diary.

Weblog

Example: http://ryanedit.blogspot.com.au/ (video blogging)

Chat roomsOnline messaging services, allowing either individuals or groups to communicate in real time.

Can be international, local or very small.Need to register with username and password.Chat rooms can be monitored for inappropriate behaviour and often users can also report inappropriate behaviours.

Examples of applications: Yahoo, MSN

ForumsMessage boardsAllow users to hold conversations through posted messages.Thread – continuous conversation of postsGood for asking questions and getting answersCan be moderated by people who approve each post

Example:http://www.adobe.com/devnet/dreamweaver/articles/first_website_pt1.html

Social NetworkingAllow people to communicate with others and present information about themselves.

Examples: Facebook, Badoo, LinkedIn

WikisAre and online software tool that allow a group of people to contribute in the development of either a documents, concepts.

A very popular Wiki is Wikipedia

Control is required and usually has a moderator to approve anonymous posts.Issues include copyright, misinformation, lack of reliable sources

The functionality of websites within Online Communitiesblogs hierarchical editing privileges rich text editor spell checker allow users to post information allow readers to comment on posts conduct polls search through posts provide RSS syndication feeds post pictures, video, links restrict access to features through registration and

passwords allow moderation of readers' comments offer templates with different page styles offer widgets to increase functionality (e.g. calendar) SEO (search engine optimisation)

http://www.vceit.com/pages/online-community-websites.htm

chat rooms registration facilities moderation rich text editor ability to block/ban users spell checker encryption sending/receiving documents, files audio/video support saving and searching chat history http://www.vceit.com/pages/online-community-websites.htm

forums hierarchical editing privileges ability of users to set personal preferences and edit their 'sig' (signature)

and avatar search facilities auto-notify post authors if replies are made attach documents insert pictures, links, emoticons RSS feeds expand/collapse threads ignore threads lock threads (preventing further posts) make threads 'sticky' so they always appear user ranking of posts polling/voting facilities edit HTML source of posts highlight new posts indicate who is online count posts and replies allow quoting of previous posts

http://www.vceit.com/pages/online-community-websites.htm

social networking registration and secure login personal profile page moderation of posts ability to connect with other users (friends) ability to manage a friends list page template themes ability to customise profiles search for users or text provide email and instant messaging insert images, links provide chatrooms 'live feed' of users' activities, photos etchttp://www.vceit.com/pages/online-community-websites.htm

wikis registration and password-protected login hierarchical editing privileges rich text editor communicate with other contributors edit HTML source code easily embed links, pictures, tables etc roll back unwanted changes lock topics to prevent further changes pre-made page templates ban users/IP addresseshttp://www.vceit.com/pages/online-community-websites.htm

RecapWhat do you think a general purpose to an online community would be?

• To relay/ broadcast information and

events

• To facilitate and/or encourage discussions,

collaboration and information exchange

• To build up or develop organisation

knowledge/projects