Social+Networking

MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, NING-- you know you've heard of them, but do you know what they are? They are social networking websites. From tweens to teens, to adults, MySpace and Facebook have become all the rage for socializing on-line. These two websites host pages of information belonging to individuals and groups. Famous actors, musicians, authors, even politicians- check out the 2008 presidential candidates - have accounts with these social networking websites because of the number of people they draw. Many organizations, such as Greenpeace and the ACLU, even have MySpace and Facebook accounts. MySpace launched in 2003 and by 2006 had its 100 millionth account in the Netherlands. By some reports over 230,000 new accounts are opened daily on MySpace. If MySpace were a country, it would be the 11th largest in the world!

Another, newer and lesser known, means of social networking with a more professional edge is NING. NINGs are social websites that join people together based on a specific interest or subject, which is typically professional and educational. Joyce Valenza, a master librarian, started a Librarians NING. There are NINGs on Information Literacy, Reiki, Music NINGs, even NINGs for dogs (no joke!) NING was created shortly after MySpace and Facebook, and like these social networking sites, allows for a variety of other media to be easily downloaded. NINGs also allow for forum discussions, similar to chat rooms. I urge you to investigate NINGs, or even start your own based on a particular interest you have.

In the classroom, NINGs could be set up to connect to other grade levels, subject areas, etc. in other schools, providing a more global classroom and throwing open the windows of communication amongst students statewide, nationwide or even worldwide. Check out their website at http://www.ning.com/

Websites: This website allows you to conduct a live poll in which students can text message their responses to the questions! Students from anywhere can participate in the poll! Poll Everywhere

Articles:

[|Doing the NING Thing]

[|Nings for Learners- Global Studies]