Introduction to Online Communities
Welcome to one of the most relatable parts of your ICT course! Since you are already using the internet to study these notes, you are likely part of several online communities already. An online community is simply a group of people who use the internet to communicate, share information, and collaborate on shared interests.
In this chapter, we will look at the different "flavours" of online communities and how they are used in the real world. Whether you are gaming with friends, uploading a video, or checking your homework online, you are interacting with these systems.
3.6 Types of Online Communities
The syllabus identifies several specific types of communities you need to know. Think of these as different "digital clubs" each with a specific purpose.
Social Networking
These are sites designed to help people build social relations. Users create a profile and connect with friends, family, or people with similar interests. Examples: Platforms where you share status updates, photos, and chat with friends.
Online Gaming
Many modern games allow players to interact in a virtual world. These communities aren't just about playing; they involve global communication through voice or text chat and working together to achieve goals.
Quick Tip: Remember that online gaming is considered a community because of the interaction between players, not just the gameplay itself.
Online Work Spaces
These are digital areas where colleagues can collaborate on projects. They often include tools for file sharing, instant messaging, and task management. This allows people to work together even if they are in different countries.
Virtual Learning Environments (VLE)
A VLE is a system used by schools and colleges to provide educational resources. You might use one to download worksheets, upload your assignments, or chat with your teacher. Example: A school portal where you find your ICT homework.
User-Generated Reference Sites
These are sites where the content is created and edited by the users themselves.
Wikis: Websites that allow anyone to add, modify, or delete content.
Forums: Discussion sites where people post messages and reply to others.
Websites: Informational sites managed by a community of users.
User-Generated Content
This refers to platforms where users "broadcast" their own media.
Video Sharing Sites: Where you upload and watch videos.
Blogs: Online journals where individuals write about their lives or specific topics.
Websites: Personal or community sites created by non-professionals.
Social Bookmarking
This is a way for users to search, manage, and share links to websites they find interesting. Instead of saving a "favourite" only on your own computer, you save it to a public site so others can see it too. It’s like a giant digital noticeboard for the whole internet.
Quick Review: Can you name three types of online communities? (e.g., VLE, Social Networking, and Wikis).
3.7 Use of Online Communities
It’s not enough to just know what they are; you need to understand how and why they are used.
Functions and Target Audience
Every online community has a specific target audience. For example, a VLE is for students and teachers, while an online work space is for employees of a company.
The function refers to what the community actually does—does it help people learn, entertain them, or help them finish a work project?
Global Communication and Collaboration
One of the biggest benefits of these communities is that they allow global collaboration. People from different time zones can work on the same document or play the same game together. This removes geographical barriers.
Responsible Use and Acceptable Behaviour Policies
Most communities have a set of rules called an Acceptable Behaviour Policy (or Terms of Service). These rules are there to:
1. Keep users safe.
2. Prevent cyberbullying.
3. Stop the spread of illegal or offensive content.
Users who break these rules might be banned or have their accounts suspended.
Staying Safe: The Risks
While online communities are great, they come with risks that you must be aware of for your exam:
Anonymity and Misrepresentation: People online can pretend to be someone they are not. This is often called "catfishing."
Disclosure of Personal Information: Sharing your location, full name, or school can be dangerous. Once information is online, it is very hard to remove.
Cyberbullying: Using digital communities to harass or upset others. This is why moderation and reporting tools are so important.
Don't worry if this seems like a lot of terms! Just remember: "What is it?" (the type) and "How do we stay safe?" (the use).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusing a Wiki with a Blog: Remember, a Wiki is collaborative (many people edit it), while a Blog is usually written by one person or a small group (like a diary).
2. Thinking VLEs are only for home: VLEs are used both in school and at home to help with learning.
3. Ignoring the "Community" aspect: A static website that you just read is NOT an online community. To be a community, there must be interaction between users.
Summary: Key Takeaways
Types: Social networking, gaming, work spaces, VLEs, wikis, forums, video sharing, blogs, and social bookmarking.
Communication: Communities allow for global interaction and collaboration.
Policies: Every community needs an "Acceptable Use Policy" to manage behaviour.
Safety: Be careful with anonymity and never disclose personal information like your location.
Cross-reference: For more on how these communities impact your life, see the chapter "Impact of the internet on individuals."
Exam Note: In the Edexcel \(9-1\) ICT exam, you may be asked to suggest a suitable online community for a specific scenario (like a group of students working on a project) or explain the risks of using social media.