Posted December 2007 Learning Place online chats spark interest at ACCAN
		Two online chats, facilitated by Learning Place members, were well received by members of the Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect (ACCAN), recently held at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian were exploring ways to communicate important issues with children and young people, particularly those in rural and remote communities, using Learning Place project rooms. Factors such as remoteness and the sometimes awkward nature of a face-to-face discussion had been overcome. Safe internet and chat room use was the topical discussion generated by the first expert guest Detective Sergeant Lisa Scully from Task Force Argos. Ms Scully engaged Queensland students through the discussion of real scenarios in which children’s safety was compromised.

In the following chat, Helping young people have their say, the commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Elizabeth Fraser sparked the interest of senior students from Stanthorpe who spoke honestly and openly in the secure classroom environment about issues affecting them and their community.

Learning Place senior project officer Rebekah Hermann said approximately 30 conference participants, who watched via data projection, were impressed with the depth and quality of discussion in the chats.

‘They provided thoughts and comments and asked questions at all stages of the learning experience’, she said.

Ms Hermann said feedback also indicated that conference members were impressed with the chat tool and the secure environment within which children were able to interact.

‘The commissioner in particular commented about the way in which the chat room encouraged students to ask questions and to freely express their ideas and opinions.

‘She noted that factors such as remoteness and the sometimes awkward nature of a face-to-face discussion had been overcome.

‘The chats were a great success from all perspectives. As a result of this collaboration the commissioner has asked that the Learning Place facilitate future discussions with herself and Queensland students,’ Ms Hermann said.