BP6_2009102_Web 2.0_Ning

Andreessen, M. and Gina Blanchini. (2004) Ning. www.ning.com

Holcombe, A. [owner of photo] (2009) Ning in Education, retrieved October 11, 2009 from http://education.ning.com/

Ning is basically an online networking platform, much like Facebook, that allows for a more slected group of followers and directed topic of discussion. I would best describe by blending the following ingredients together: a standard personal informational website (such as a school website), a form for open discussion amongst members, and Facebook-style social networking and grouping. Whereas Facebook is one humongous overall network, Ning is more closed and specified based on the creator's needs and desired topic(s) of focus.

My school has just started the implementation of teacher websites where students can go for information and find homework...etc. However, with my higher level of technology awareness, I am feeling the need to create a Ning network specified just for my classes. I appreciate many features that Ning offers for educators, but one of my favorites is how students join the network and then can respond to questions, videos, articles, or anything that was posted by the administrator of the site.

 I imagine a high school Language course where the content progresses with each grade level. The seniors or AP class (experts in the content) could be the administrators- the ones researching and creating the content; while the lower class(es) could learn from and respond to the content. The teacher would then move from educator to facilitator of education.... the title that the standards-based school model would support. The teacher would then monitor (and grade) all of the student activity and direct learning through forum questions.

Some might argue, 'why not just use Facebook?' My thought is that Facebook has a purely social context in which it is typically used. I find that all too often students do not understand how to interact formally in an environment that they only know as informal. I also do not want the liability that comes in knowing the personal lives of students, which is typically shared on Facebook. Furthermore, Ning can be a fully secured environment controlled by the administrator. No one could join and see & participate in discussion without being approved as a member.

For these reasons and beyond, I see Ning to be a powerful and professional social tool to create a more secure link between schools, homes, and the world that surrounds us all.