This document discusses various web-based communication tools that can be used within a community, including: - Virtual meeting tools like Skype that allow for video conferencing and screen sharing at a low monthly cost. - Collaboration tools from Google like Google Calendar, Docs, and Presentations that allow sharing of schedules, documents, and presentations online. - Social media platforms like Facebook and Front Porch Forum that enable community members to communicate and share local updates and information. - Front Porch Forum is highlighted as a popular online platform among Vermonters to foster connections similar to in-person conversations in local gathering spots of the past.

1. Web-based Communication Tools for Your Community March 5, 2011 e-Vermont Citizens in a Connected Age Lyndon State College Presenter: [email_address]

2. Virtual Meetings & Conference Calls Skype Sharing calendars, documents and presentations Google calendar and docs Social Media Facebook and Front Porch Forum

3. Meetings and Conference Calling SKYPE Click picture for Skype website

4. SKYPE Group video calling – $$ about $9/month (see video on this link for details) How to Download and Conference Call on Skype (good video, but remember you can drag and drop from contacts to grey call box) Troubleshooting Skype (hardware and bandwidth issues )

5. Collaborating: Sharing Documents, Creating Presentations, Event Calendars Click photo for Gmail page. Using a Gmail email o create calendar, store my photos at Picasa web, use Google Docs, etc aggregates all those tools and apps on my browser home page which is set at http://www.google.com. Because along the top bar of my Google page are my email, blogs, docs, calendar making it a one stop area to locate my digital life.

6. EVENT CALENDAR Click photo for resources about using Google calendar. There’s a super video on right-hand side of the website about how to SHARE calendars.

7. Document & Presentation Sharing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRqUE6IHTEA

8. Google Presentations The YouTube Google Docs channel

9. Facebook Community Page Click photo for tutorial on making a community page (you no longer need a personal Facebook account to make a community page) Link from PC World on Facebook marketing

10. “ FPF is just a modern, electronic version of the conversations that used to take place in the feed stores, general stores, post offices, etc. that were the gathering places for inhabitants of the towns and villages of “old” Vermont.” “ I enjoy Front Porch Forum so much. My husband has lived in town all his life. I have lived here 32 years. We miss all the closeness we used to have when our son was in school. Now, the way the world has changed and everyone’s busy day lives, we have just lost touch.” Front Porch Forum

11. Front Porch Forum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMiuB1SJEs4&f CLICK TO PLAY

12. Front Porch Forum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6XAnOlbdeo

13. Front Porch Forum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61uC3Ce5KR0

14. TIME FOR QUESTIONS ????????????????????????????????