From: Helen.Sternheim@f109.n321.z1.fidonet.org (Helen Sternheim)
Newsgroups: k12.sys.projects
Subject: How to set up a PROJECT
Date: Fri, 25 Dec 92 11:41:09 PDT
Organization: FidoNet node 1:321/109 - Pioneer Valley PCUG, Amherst MA

K12 PROJECT CHANNELS-

How to get one!
How to use one!

K12 Net offers 12 conference areas that can be assigned to  different people at  
                           
different times to pursue individual projects.  Anyone, teachers and students 
alike, can request and use a channel by following the following guidelines.

WHAT QUALIFIES AS A PROJECT?

This is a very big question...  Basically, any idea that requires
telecommunications to succeed, and deals with a specific topic or activity on
which the user wishes to focus.  Here on K12net projects should relate to
academic subjects or curriculum.  For example, there are currently coordinated
weather readings that are posted weekly - the data collection is to be
global in nature, potentially covering the breadth of the network.  In
addition, while this might be considered a "science" project and could
possibly be conducted in the K12_SCI_ED echo, the intent of this project is
to focus exclusively on weather reading, warranting a dedicated channel
for that specific purpose.  

Other projects have included compilation of Top Ten lists, cookbooks, Global
Village News, Composition critiqing, Physics challenges, and private
educational sessions for specific groups.

WHO PARTICIPATES IN PROJECTS?

There are two classifications of projects: Open and Closed.

Open projects will be available to all users of K12Net.  If you design a 
project in which you want as many people as possible to participate, then you 
want an Open project.

Closed projects are limited to only a selected set of participants.  If, for 
example, you want to conduct an online class specifically for Jr. High Phys. 
Ed. teachers, and didn't want anyone else posting, then you would want a Closed  
                           
project. 

HOW DO YOU START?

Start with an idea.  Engage other users of the net in conversation about your 
idea, and see if anyone would like to join you in the project.  You can 
'advertise' your idea in the Teacher Chat echo, Projects echo, or any of the 
appropriate curricular conferences.  Make sure that your idea would require      
                          its own channel, and cannot be carried out in the      
existing              conferences.
When it seems you have a few others interested in your project ("critical 
mass"- enough to make it work), apply for a channel.  Given the limited number
of channels available, and the growing interest, new projects should 
demonstrate that there at least several other points in the net that wish to
participate in the project.

Send channel requests to Helen Sternheim, Channels Coordinator, at 1:321/109.    
                           
                  
Your request can be made in the Projects echo, or via netmail.  Include the 
following:

     1. Name of the Project
     2. Name and FIDO address of the Moderator (see below)
     3. Project type- Open or Closed
     4. Requested start time and duration of the project (see below)
     5. A brief project description (see current project guides for
          samples)
     6. A list of participants (so we can see the size of your group)
     7. If your project is to be Closed, a list of participants who
          are to be granted access to the channel.

With this information is received, you will be assigned a channel when one is 
available.  Please note: changes are slowly being made to the channel
allocations to minimize the extra work required of Sysops throughout the net.
                     
To that end, new projects will be assigned to Channels 1-12.
Your project will be assigned appropriate channel when and if
a channel is available.

WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE PROJECT?

The person designated as the Moderator will have control over the conduct of 
the project channel.  It is they who will make decisions about appropriate 
posting and participation, set whatever rules are required, and generally 
conduct the business of the project.  The Channels Coordinator will offer 
advice and assistance if asked for, and help with technical problems if 
possible.  However, the Moderator is responsible for setting up, advertizing 
(beyond the projects listing), and running the project.

HOW LONG CAN I USER A CHANNEL?

Unless unusual circumstances exist, new project channel allocations will be 
limited to a two month period.  You may request a channel for a shorter time.
                     
It is advised that the Moderator schedule the channel activities very carefully  
                           
to make the most of the two month allocation.  A good schedule also will help
your other participants make better use of your project by being able to plan
more effectively their participation.  Extensions to projects will be given
_only_ if there are no other projects waiting for channels and the Moderator 
demonstrates a need to continue.

WHAT'S CHANNEL 0 FOR?

Channel 0 is now being used for class letter exchanges (between 2 classes)
for batch letter uploads. 

Channel Coordination will take place in K12.projects.

QUESTIONS?

Please read these guidelines carefully.  If you still have questions you may 
contact the Channels Coordinator, Helen Sternheim at 1:321/109




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