Module 4: Internet communication

Arts EdNet discussion group

M4 Task 4 - Discussion group messages
Joining a discussion group
M4 Task 5 - Joining Arts EdNet
M4 Task 6 - Composing messages

The Arts EdNet discussion group is a moderated discussion group - this means that there is a list moderator who vets all contributions before they are sent on to other members of the group. The Arts EdNet discussion group and this tutorial are part of the Curriculum Communities project by Curriculum Corporation (http://www.curriculum.edu.au/communities).

M4 Task 4 - Discussion group messages

Arts EdNet discussion group is hosted by EdNA Online (http://www.edna.edu.au/). Investigate some of the messages from the last month or so of the Arts EdNet discussion group archive. Follow these steps:

Go to the EdNA Arts EdNet page (http://content.edna.edu.au/messaging/list.html?id=arts-ednet).
Click the Read Messages link.
Messages are listed chronologically and can be viewed ten at a time. Use the and Next 10 links to browse the archives.
Click on the message title to open the messages.
See whether you can find examples of each of the following:
- a request for information about a curriculum resource (and responses);
- an announcement about a curriculum resource;
- information about a collaborative project or request for a collaborative partner;
- a question about pedagogy (and responses to the question);
Make a note of:
- any individual messages that are of particular interest to you, and why;
- any interactions that are of particular interest to you, and why;
- what the key characteristics of a good message are

Joining a discussion group

Joining a mailing list is quite simple. You can join the Arts EdNet discussion group by submitting an online form on the Arts EdNet website subscription page or by sending an email with your name, organisation and email address to: arts@curriculum.edu.au.

The discussion group is the basis for a community of Visual Arts teachers sharing ideas and resources to enable the best possible use of opportunities offered by new technologies. You will be emailed a weekly newsletter to keep you up-to-date with developments in the Visual Arts learning area. Guest experts will be among the many resources available to the group to ensure continuing professional stimulation and development. As a member of the Arts EdNet discussion group you will have the opportunity to participate in moderated discussions about the issues that are important to you in enriching your teaching practice and achieving the best learning outcomes for your students. The Arts EdNet Curriculum Community formed by the discussion group has the potential to become an effective national voice for teachers of Visual Arts and a very valuable source of peer support.

In the case of the Arts EdNet group, subscribing is by request only. That is, members are added to the list manually after being vetted by the list administrator. Many other mailing lists use computer software to automatically add new members without human intervention.

It is simple to unsubscribe at any time you like. Every message you receive from the list outlines this option. More detailed information about the discussion group is available in the Guidelines.

Mailing lists often have a set of guidelines or 'rules' like those you have just read. It is wise to read them before you participate. If a list has a set of frequently asked questions (FAQ), read them before you join, as well.

M4 Task 5 - Joining Arts EdNet

If you would like to subscribe to the Arts EdNet discussion group click here. Read About the discussion group and Guidelines and then go to the Subscribe page. Read the information on subscribing, fill in the subscription form and click on the Subscribe button. You will receive a thank you message. Within the next working day you will receive a confirmation of subscription in an email.

M4 Task 6 - Composing messages

Drawing on your investigations of recent messages in the Arts EdNet archive, prepare a response to one current Visual Arts issue, question or debate. As you compose your message, be aware of the advice about posting messages in the Guidelines. Also be aware of relevant netiquette and cross-cultural considerations.

If you have already subscribed to the list, post your message; otherwise, it can just be a pen and paper exercise.

If you are posting your message and it is the first time you have done so, include a sentence or two introducing yourself.

Here are some suggestions and help for composing a message (M4 Task 6 Suggestions).


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