The STARScience web site contains a forum area where practitioners and those interested in science can participate in text based online discussions; this is sometimes referred to as web conferences, online discussions or online communities. This facility will enable users of the site to share ideas and experiences with other participants who share similar interests. For technical details on how to use the STARScience forum please go to the help section (found on top navigation menu).

If you are new to online communities or just want know more information about the benefits and how they can be used, take a look at some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.

STAR Science online communities

Our online communities allow users to exchange experiences, opinions, ideas and information related to science teaching and learning. There is an International forum where you can communicate with users from other countries and there is also the UK forum where teachers in the UK can communicate. Both forums can provide useful information and we recommend members to take a look at both.

To use the forums you will need to register first and read our forum policy and netiquette guidelines before using the forums.

What are Online Communities?

Online Communities are shared online areas on a web site that allow people, from across the world, to meet and talk via the Internet. This provides many opportunities for people to exchange and share views, information and other resources.

Web sites that provide this type of discussion facility may refer to these areas as forums, discussion boards, message boards.

Why do I have to register?

Most online communities ask their members to register which then allows a user to login and use the forum. STAR Science also requests that users register themselves if they wish to participate in the discussions. However, you can observe the discussions without registering or logging in using guest status (quest users will be unable to participate and post or reply to messages).

What is Netiquette?

Netiquette is a set of guidelines for using the Internet to communicate with others. It is important to have these guidelines so that people use the Internet effectively and with respect to other users. Because Internet forums take place remotely through a text-based medium by people who are likely to never meet each other, some basic ground rules need to be established to ensure that everyone has a positive experience.

What is STAR Science's Forum Policy?

Our aim with these discussion forums is to enable our users to interact with each other by engaging in interesting, useful and lively discussions. To facilitate this process we operate the following policy that all our users must agree to before they are registered to enter our forums.

• Our forums are only available to users who are registered and agree to participate in them according to our 'forum policy'.
• Forums will be moderated and contributions monitored to ensure that they comply with our policy.
• We expect all of our users to act with maturity and consideration for others.
• If messages are posted which may be offensive to other users they will be removed.
• If participants continue to post offensive messages they will be removed from the discussion and barred from future forums.
• Spamming - the sending of 'junk' messages or blatant advertising - will not be tolerated and will result in messages and users being removed from current and future forums.
• We may use the experiences of these discussion forums and their content in research publications and reports, but will preserve individual's anonymity related to their identity and particular contributions. Alternatively, should anyone want to contribute and be excluded from any anonymous reporting, please email e.baur@londonmet.ac.uk and we will ensure your contributions are not used.

How can I stay safe online?

It is important to be aware of Internet safety and the possible dangers, as an online forum is not a private conversation. So, use your common sense about how you behave and communicate. Although the discussion forums offered by STAR Science are only available to registered users, and are moderated and monitored by professionals, you should always exercise care when communicating online.

• Be mindful of the identity of others. Even in closed forums and environments where individuals have had to register to gain access, people may not be who they say they are.
• Don't give out personal information like phone numbers or addresses.
• Don't meet someone who you have only had contact with through the online community - you don't know who they are.

The following link provides very useful tips on how to stay safe online , and is especially useful if you are thinking of using online communities with your students.