Purpose

The KIDFORUM list exists to provide an outlet for works by kids on a series of topics specified in advance.  It is designed to promote exchanges between classroom groups of students, although individual participants will certainly be welcome.

It is one more way to implement these ideas from the KIDLINK POLICIES document:

KIDLINK is based on the idea that getting kids around the world to talk to each other will allow them a direct experience with friends having the common experience of childhood but often in very different circumstances.

By hearing a range of opinions and developing familiarity with different ideas, we can hope to overcome some communication barriers and solve some problems in a more cooperative manner.

We hope that when KIDLINK kids become adults they will take
a more global and long-term perspective on issues, rather than acting to maximize local, short-term interests.

KIDFORUM will build upon the KIDLINK themes as expressed in the four KIDLINK questions.  Student participants in KIDFORUM will be expected to register by sending their answers to the RESPONSE list.
 

Coordinator

The KIDFORUM activities will be managed and facilitated by a volunteer coordinator and his/her assistant. They will both promote the use of KIDFORUM  and will be responsible for the selection and scheduling of topics, as  described below.
 

Moderator(s)

Each topic discussed in KIDFORUM will have a moderator who will assist and coordinate the work of all the participant groups.
 

Topics

All topics should be clearly related in some way to the KIDLINK themes (based on the four KIDLINK questions).  The topics will be selected and scheduled in advance so that teachers can make plans for their classes to participate.
The whole year schedule for the topics will be send to KIDLINK list at the end of August each year. The announcements for each topic will be send to KIDFORUM list 14 days prior to the beginning of the topic.
Topics will be proposed, discussed, and selected on the KIDFORUM-COORD list.
It will be up to the KIDFORUM Coordinator as well as up to members of

KIDFORUM advisory board to organize the selection of topics in a way that insures that (1) the topics selected will attract  teachers to have their classes participate, and (2) the topics are related to the KIDLINK themes.
 

Schedule

Six weeks up to two months per topic with some overlap as one topic is finished and the next begins seemed about right to people during the planning of KIDFORUM.  The KIDFORUM Coordinator can adjust this if necessary.
 

Restrictions on Posting

KIDFORUM is intended as a forum for kids. Adult postings on the topics being discussed are not allowed.
In accordance with general KIDLINK policies, the content of messages from kids are to be as free from overt adult influence as possible.
Foul language or offensive manners are not allowed.

The KIDFORUM Coordinator, KIDFORUM assistant and the moderator for the topic will decide what is appropriate. They are also the only adults who may send messages to KIDFORUM list.

Teachers whose classes are participating in the current topic may post messages to KIDFORUM-COORD list.
 

                        ===< end of Charter >===

Information Contact Point:  
Kidforum Manager, Tor Arne Richvoldsen, rich@axp1.pmddata.no  
 

Kidforum Web Pages by Tor Arne Richvoldsen  
Updated February 17, 1998.  
 

Copyright © 1998 Kidlink . All rights reserved.