Documents 5.c: How to change the language in Twinspace

As we will see later on in Unit 6, several kinds of permits can be set for each user. That way, we can choose who can read, edit or publish in each section. However, TwinSpace initially offers 5 pre-set profiles, which can be modified later on. These profiles are 'teacher-member', 'teacher-administrator', 'student-administrator', 'student-member' and 'visitor'. In this Unit we shall study TwinSpace from the point of view of a student: what we can do in the platform and what kind of profile should be assigned to each one. That is why in the rest of the document we will talk about both student profiles. In Unit 6 we will analyse TwinSpace from the teacher profile view and we will talk about the 'visitor' profile.

Assigning user rights

Before we add students to TwinSpace, we should think about what rights they should be granted. Of course, these rights can be changed at any time.

- Member student: they can participate in the 'Student's corner', answer in forums and take part in chats.

- Administrator student: they can do the same as the member students, as well as create activity pages and upload files and images.

Some advice:

- It gives administrator rights to some students so they can take part actively in the design and progress of TwinSpace (especially for older students).

- It gives administrator rights to some students who play some organisational roles in the project.

- It gives member rights to students when you are working with a large group and a set of defined tasks (especially for younger students)

Starting to work in TwinSpace

Once students have access to TwinSpace, you can ask them to start doing the following:

1. Create their profile: Each student can create their own profile, upload a photo, describe their interests, hobbies, favourite foods, etc. (Note: all the students' profile information is kept private in TwinSpace and cannot be seen from anywhere else).
2. Getting to know each other: Students can browse their mates' and members' profiles and learn about them. They can also get in touch by internal e-mail or by writing on the notice board.

Working together

The Student's Corner: This is the area in TwinSpace created for 'students only'. It is the place where students ask questions, share information and develop their personal relationships - maybe outside the project plan. Teachers can, of course, access this 'Corner' but only with the right to read. Therefore, this space has been created by and for students.

What can students do in the 'Student's Corner'?

1. Create and answer in the forum.
2. Create a wiki and make contributions.
3. Exchange files.

Using TwinSpace jointly: Throughout the project, students can take part in a great number of activities in TwinSpace. They can work individually or in groups, depending on the design that teachers use for these activities. Depending on their roles, they can take part in:

Member student:

Chat

Wikis

Forums

Blogs

Administrator student:

The same as the member student

Create activity pages

Upload files

In the rest of the documents in the Unit you will find tutorials that will show you step by step how to use the tools we have described. For each tool we will see an outline of the actions that can be carried out from each student profile. As you can see, it is easy to use and will help you practice all your ideas for the project.