GS3-Social+Networking

Social Networking

Creating a social network (similar to Facebook) has many classroom applications AND it engages high school students in a format that is familiar to them.

One of our favorites is **"Ning."** It is a VERY user-friendly site and offers all of the benefits listed below. The site is undergoing a change, however, so you will need to register and be approved as an educational site before you begin Ninging. Because it is so easy to use and offers so much, we believe it is worth the extra step.

Website: [|www.about.ning.com]

You can check out these examples for practical uses of the items listed below.

[|www.readwritethinkcreate.ning.com] English class example [|www.garnerspanish2h.ning.com] – Spanish class example (written in English)

1. Provides a ** real-life audience ** both in the building and the possibility of networking with other schools. 2. ** Blog ** feature – Allows students to share feeling and connect with like-minded people outside the classroom (Julia and Julia). Authentic audience with real purpose 3. ** Forums ** – Tool for discussing topics and responding to one another. Provides opportunities for students to give feedback (Should go over etiquette of responding/commenting on other’s work.) 4. ** Videos **- Great way of submitting electronic projects 5. ** Text boxes ** may add up to 3 to add word documents or hyper-link to internet sites 6. ** Photos ** – allows you to build a relationship with students – but you may wish to set limits – 3 each or only photos related to certain topics/themes. School acceptable of course. 8. ** Member sign up ** – easiest way – After everyone has typed in the URL and accessed the page – unlock the privacy setting allowing anyone to request to join. As soon as all have asked to join immediately change the private setting so that people have to request to join or you send a request for them to join. This should be done before the period ends otherwise you will be amazed at how quickly people will join that you don’t want to be there – but you can remove them if they do. 9. ** Birthday ** --lists members' birthdays.


 * Getting started ** ||
 * Getting started ** ||

From **about.ning.com** click on **Get Started Now** (large orange box on the top right) Scroll down to bottom and click on **Click Here for Full Plan Comparison**. Look in the column marked **Mini** and click on **Education**. Sign up from there. ||

[|www.grou.ps] Many of the same features as Ning Major differences: 1. Has a wiki tab 2. Does not have text boxes
 * Other possible social networking sites **

[|www.webs.com] 1. May upload videos and pictures, but not word files

[|www.wordpress.com] 1. Professional-looking format, but not quite as user-friendly as Ning


 * Blogging **


 * Blogspot** allows students to create a themed collection of writing and allows for others to follow, add comments, and reply. Students can embed video and images into their blogspots. [|www.blogspot.com]

Example: [] contains teacher blog and listing of student blogs.