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Article
Supporting learning communities for children on Think.com
International Journal of Web Based Communities (2007)
  • Elizabeth A Hartnell-Young, University of Nottingham
  • Karen Corneille
Abstract

This paper considers the extent to which the free, password-protected online community environment of the Oracle Education Foundation's Think.com supports children's learning. Using an interpretive approach, we analysed the uses of the environment within a broad frame of digital literacies, social interaction and facilitated collaboration, in order to identify potential for, and instances of, learning. We found that many children engaged readily with the site to display a range of digital literacies and to communicate with others, and that teachers and facilitators played a powerful role in mediating learning, managing the communities, setting guidelines for participation, and linking students with outside experts. There is, however, scope for richer learning which is yet to be developed.

Keywords
  • Children,
  • Online communities,
  • Learning communities,
  • Think.com,
  • Web based communities,
  • Digital literacies,
  • Social interaction,
  • Facilitated collaboration,
  • Child education,
  • Digital literacy
Publication Date
2007
Citation Information
Elizabeth A Hartnell-Young and Karen Corneille. "Supporting learning communities for children on Think.com" International Journal of Web Based Communities Vol. 3 Iss. 2 (2007)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/elizabeth_hartnell-young/8/