Setting up an On-Line Community -- Resources and Directories
Connect your classroom to the community and the rest of the world.
Links
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/index.html
A summary of all the technology initiatives and position papers and opportunities for funding at the federal and state level can be found at the Department of Education. Starting in October 1995, the Department of Education (DOEd) funded 19 Challenge 2000 grants which involve multiple schools and other agencies to harness the power of telecommunications for school reform.
Frank Odasz, of Lone Eagle Consulting, has compiled a list of resources for migrant education and Native American culture and educational projects, as well as on many other subjects of K-12 interest.
A listing of Community Networks, maintained by students or with resources primarily for students in different regions of the country, is available through the University of Michigan.
The NTIA office sponsored more than 100 projects throughout the US for community networks between schools and a wide spectrum of community agencies and private organizations--from libraries to national parks and cable operators.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has created a site for exploring the impact of the Internet on children and families and work and school. The research and reports reflect the high quality for which Pew is renowned. Take a look and show your colleagues and neighbors..
As learning online has evolved, a new community, devoted to volunteer service has emerged and integrated with established curriculum. Look at the National Youth Leadership Council .
Want to quickly start a new ad hoc community or find an existing group with your interests? Check out Yahoo Groups.
Annotation
Perusing the NTIA and the DOEd grant awards is time well-spent. The amazing diversity among the latest crop of community networks is bound to give you ideas for your own community. Some have a narrow focus and a large number of participating groups while others tackle several objectives and have fewer constituents. The development of communities, then, is partially dependent upon the "load" and interactivity.
