Considering a New Social Networking Avenue

In a world that is so dependent on social networking there is always a new friend on Facebook or follower on Twitter. Yet many of the social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace are not allowed in public schools.  They are not seen as a safe space for students to communicate. But do not fret, because there are other social networking sites like Ning that allow educators the freedom to use with their students.  As Richardson states in Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, Ning is a site that allows students to share images, thoughts, video, etc. about anything they are passionate about among one another. It can be completely private to your class or is can be made as public as well. Richardson shares a variety of Ning sites that were used in the classroom. One of my favorite Ning's I fell upon was St. Joe H20 where people and experts share their love and knowledge for marine biology with high school students who go on yearly field studies. These students are able to share their learning with people who are interested and have personal experience.

Using a site like Ning allows students to practice their writing skills as well as using technology such as sharing images and videos. I also see the benefit of using this site to prepare students for their personal use of sites like Facebook when they get older. So many young people are not "trained" in how to use such sites and that's when they get into trouble with what to share and what not to share. If teachers could devote a little time each year students would be better educated on their social responsibilities when they are ready for Facebook and Twitter in their middle or high school years. Exposing students to Ning has many benefits