The document discusses internet forums and blogs as teaching tools. It provides definitions and examples of forums, including Yahoo Groups, and describes how to set up a Yahoo Group. Blogs are also discussed, including teacher blogs, student blogs, and blogging communities. Potential dangers of internet communities like viruses and privacy issues are also mentioned. The document aims to provide background information on using internet forums and blogs in education.

1. The Internet: A Free and Easy Teaching Tool Adam Murray - Tokyo Denki University Michael Stout - Toyo Gakuen University

2. Presentation Outline Background Information Creating an Internet Community Forums Blogs Resources Dangers and Annoyances Conclusion

3. Internet Communities

4. Forums - Definition An Internet forum is a web application for holding discussions and posting user generated content. Internet forums are also commonly referred to as web forums, message boards, discussion boards, (electronic) discussion groups, discussion forums, bulletin boards, fora (the Latin plural) or simply forums. The terms "forum" and "board" may refer to the entire community or to a specific sub-forum dealing with a distinct topic. Messages within these sub-forums are then displayed either in chronological order or as threaded discussions. Source: Internet forum. (2007, November 17). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 04:58, November 18, 2007, from http://en. wikipedia . org/w/index . php ? title=Internet_forum & oldid=172131246

5. Forums - Yahoo Groups Combines features of internet forums and e-mail discussion lists Basic Features: Post by forum or member email account. Distributed by selectable option to the members, and archived in the group archive. No edit function except delete Photo album (100MB): Organized into album/thumbnail structure File storage (100MB): Capable of storing any file format Link directory: Options for folders, text labels for each link. Poll: Members can created multiple-choice polls, including various options for ID display. Member list: Scroll of registered member profiles, and the basics of the information they provide. Calendar: Scheduling system for clubs with regular events. Promote: HTML box for website display (to join a group). Source: Internet forum. (2007, November 17). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 04:58, November 18, 2007, from http://en. wikipedia . org/w/index . php ? title=Internet_forum & oldid=172131246

6. Yahoo Groups - Administration Owner/Managers (who can do post approval) Invite more members by email Management of members (approve new members, delete members). Options: Edit of the group homepage display text etc Post/Picture approval: It is possible to switch to strict moderation if required. Web tools management: Options are Off, Public, Members, Administrators. Source: Internet forum. (2007, November 17). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 04:58, November 18, 2007, from http://en. wikipedia . org/w/index . php ? title=Internet_forum & oldid=172131246

7. Setting up a Yahoo Group: Step 1 Go to the yahoo groups homepage of your choice. Canada http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/ UK & Ireland http: //uk .groups.yahoo.com/ USA http://groups.yahoo.com/ Japan http://groups.yahoo.co. jp/

8. Setting up a Yahoo Group: Step 2 Sign in or create a yahoo account Click “Start your group”

9. Setting up a Yahoo Group: Steps 3 - 5 Select category Describe group Choose profile

10. Setting up a Yahoo Group: Final Steps - Customising the group

11. An example forum: 2006 Kaede - a 1st year high school class Forum used for: Integrating oral, reading, writing and computer studies classes Storing class files distributing vocabulary lists and classroom task sheets General communication outside of school hours

12. An example forum: 2006 Kaede - a 1st year high school class Forum used for: Integrating oral, reading, writing and computer studies classes Storing class files distributing vocabulary lists and classroom task sheets General communication outside of school hours

14. Blogs Teacher Blogs Teacher-centred Often used to communicate outside the classroom Student Blogs Student-centred Often replace traditional writing assignments

15. Blogging Communities

16. Creating an Internet Community

17. Resources groups.yahoo.com blogger.com wordpress.com / wordpress.org 21publish.com

18. Dangers and Annoyances Groups Virii Blogs Use of Cellphone addresses

19. Conclusion