Ning

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= =Ning= =Overview by Darla and Laura=

Ning went public in 2005 and is “a platform for creating social websites”, the largest in the world with 90,000 plus customers. An individual (age 13 or older), group, or company can simply sign up for an account on Ning and then start their conversation in private with a permitted group of people or in public so that anyone can join. Members can start forums, chats, upload photos or videos, post resources, and more. Ning is compatible with various other social media like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and many more for easy content crossover. Ning has 3 pricing plans: [|Mini, Plus, and Pro]. media type="youtube" key="cJvC7IVIYzM" height="315" width="420"

=Ideas for Classroom Use= media type="youtube" key="uAWwWC2n7wQ" height="315" width="560"
 * E-portfolios for students when they are members of your site
 * Expanding your PLN (Personal Learning Network) for teachers
 * Student reflection on classroom or global topics
 * Students connect with experts in a field of study or others across the world
 * Allows all students to have a voice
 * Gives students time to answer, think, and respond outside of the classroom
 * Teachers can also engage in professional development on Ning. They can ask questions and share resources.
 * Middle and upper grades or departmentalized teachers can use Nings to share information about their subject(s). This can be a great opportunity to "Enrich" students in topics that they find interest. If they join the Ning network, they could have in depth conversations about rocket science that they would not have an opportunity for in a regular classroom!
 * Ning in the Education Department from Ning's blog page.