Ning

=Ning - Social Networking= Note: We offer Ning as an example, recognizing that there are other social networking options.

Education Network Examples
[|Independent School Educators Network] [|Classroom 2.0] [|School 2.0] [|Coming of Age] An introduction to the NEW worldwide web. [|IBSCCC2010 Ning student page example] : Social networking between classmates and teacher, all in Spanish! (IB, 11th grade, Spanish) [|Music Techie Teachers] [|All Things Strings]

=__SWOT ANALYSIS__=

Strengths:

 * 1) Quick and easy way to connect with others with similar interests.
 * 2) Lots of opportunities for various sharing of photos, videos, pod-casting,music and discussion.
 * 3) Provides a learning community where life-long learning continues to happen.
 * 4) Ning includes the ability to add a blog.
 * 5) Ning is different than most social network sites because it offers educators several control features: Strict control of network membership (public or private), the ability of administrators to remove or edit content created by any user, the flexible control of network, minimal information requirements for user sign-up, ad-free networks for K-12 classrooms, and the reporting of all network activities. (M. Fernandez, 2/15/09)
 * 6) Allows conference goers a way to network prior, during, and after a conference.
 * 7) The administrator can accept or reject potential members to ensure inappropriate people from accessing students/joining the ning site.
 * 8) Forum allows for thought provoking discussions
 * 9) Educators can apply to get a free Ning sponsored by Pearson

Weaknesses:

 * 1) No control over private messages or instant messages
 * 2) Censoring the content could be a full time job
 * 3) No way to make your Ning page private.
 * 4) If you have a mini Ning, the only support you get is community based.
 * 5) They offer education accounts geared toward K-12 classrooms but the terms of service state that Ning is not directed to children under the age of 13 and Ning creators cannot collect information from children under 13.

Opportunities:

 * 1) I just joined ISEnet and it was very easy and I am excited about communicating with new people with my interests without even leaving my house.
 * 2) Classroom 2.0 Network - The professional development community for educators using Web 2.0 and collaborative technologies!
 * 3) Great way to market your skills and abilities

Threats:

 * 1) Could any negative people enter and cause problems.

=IDEAS FOR THE CLASSROOM=
 * Student Example -
 * Book discussion and exchanging favorite book titles authors and world wide pen pals.
 * Idea exchange for music teachers - especially early childhood teachers - to use in the classroom.

I signed up for a mini account and have been very frustrated by the lack of support. There are no phone numbers to call to speak to anyone about billing or other issues with the Ning. I tried sending messages through their support center on two different occasions and did not receive a response.
 * Personal experience by Jessie J.