My connected community(mc2) is provided by the Victorian Government in Australia, as a free community resource for the benefit of all Victorians, both community groups and individuals. Because it’s on the web all can access it but it’s up to your conscience how you use it. It’s not designed for commercial purposes.
Features
You can join an existing online community, or create your own online community. This takes about 5 minutes as it is web based (so no downloads) and your log in and password details will be emailed to you. Note if you are away from your home base when you do this you’ll need to be able to access your email remotely to get the sign on details. When you create your own community you get your own web space with discussion board, chat, calendar, notice board, photos, file uploads (1MB limit). The discussion board has an email subscription facility too.
Cost
Free
What it's used for
Showing people how easy it is to set up and facilitate your own webspace and for practice in contributing to discussions about a topic they relate to in a safe space. The fear factor tends to vanish pretty quickly. Use it for groups who have moved beyond the pure discussion board phase.
Why it's good
It’s dead simple and easy to use, friendly format. And no adverts!
Problems/downside
It’s intended for Victorians and non-commercial purposes, so some groups aren’t really eligible if you read the fine print.
Examples to check out (places to play are marked with an *)
The mc2 site * - http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/index.html has some open communities and details of site features.
Alternatives
GeoCities offer free (advert supported) websites with limited features and cost based options.
Criteria/factors re tools and processes – mc2
| Criteria | Comment | |
|---|---|---|
User
friendly |
Yes | Very easy to set up and use, good support and help information. |
| Push or pull in kind |
Both | Can set up discussion boards to email to participants otherwise you need to visit the site. |
| Low or high interaction with participants/facilitators |
High | Potential for high interaction with people, only downside is low file size for uploads. |
| Synchronous or asynchronous activity, |
Both | Has synchronous chat as well as asynchronous features. |
| Facilitator skills of a low or high
level |
Both | Can get started here without needing high level skills and build as you go. |
| Participant
skills of a low or high level |
Low | Very friendly interface so easy for those with low skills to use. |