Assessment 4

Online Community vs. Face-to-face Community

               When looking at online communities compared to a face-to-face community there are many differences but there are also a variety of similarities. The main similarity is the mere fact that they are both communities. They are both a group of people that are share thoughts, ideas, and personal insights with one another. A community is a connection between a group of people that turns into a support system to gain the trust to share personal experiences and for the group to be united as one. They are also similar in the fact that they are united as a community for one common goal. Sometimes the goals are different but whether it is online or face-to-face there is an ultimate goal to be reached.

               When it comes time to look at the differences between online and face-to-face communities the main one is very obvious, the actual presence of members. In an online community the members are virtual, they can be shown through images, videos, or build through a mental image, where as face-to-face the members are together in flesh and blood.  A few of the other difference deal with the flexibility of an online community for the members to connect with one another whenever and wherever they decide, and in a face-to-face community there must be one common place and time to meet. The presence of the two communities is different as well. A traditional face-to-face community takes place in an actual place that is created, but online the members have the freedom to create their own community how they see fit.

               I have been a part of an online community and at first, like most new things, it was different, but once you get the hang of things it was a unique and inviting experience. In my online community the biggest thing that was present was the interaction. We have a variety of different interactions, such as blogs, chats, and thread discussions. This really allows for the members to interact and get to know one another on a deeper basis, making them more comfortable to share their thoughts and ideas with the community.  If there is a common unity in the community there are a number of benefits that can takes place such as the building of lasting relationships, a place to share and receive resources, and the chance to be a part of a community and a support system of people that truly know and support each individual.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Score
Discussion Topics	Student did not post answer to discussion question	Student posted the answers to the questions but left out required elements	Student answered each question and included required elements	3
Discussion participation	Student responded to none of the discussion questions	Student responded to some discussion questions	Student responded to all discussion questions	3
Assessment Criteria	Student did not compare and contrast communities	Student compared or contrasted communities but not both.	Student compared and contrasted communities	3
Assessment Grammar	Assessment was not on topic, unclear and contained many errors	Assessment was on topic but contained some errors	Assessment was clear and on topic.	3
Assessment Question 1	Student did not answer question 1	Student answered question 1 but did not incorporate it into the compare and contrast	Student answered question 1 and incorporated the answer into the essay	3
Assessment Question 2	Student did not answer question 2	Student answered question 2 but did not incorporate it into the compare and contrast	Student answered question 2 and incorporated the answer into the essay	3
Final Score				18/18= 100%
Comments: This student had some great examples of differences and similarities between the two types of communities. The essay was well written and clear. I also thought the examples he or she included were excellent as well.