Ning in the classroom

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Permalink Reply by S. Penderel on February 25, 2009 at 7:27pm

It's an unsecure social networking utility. Furthermore, due to it's lack of security, it is also a blog/discussion board, therefore there is no regulation of correct v. incorrect information. As a teacher of teachers I would rather set up a Private Facebook Group, by invite only, than opt to utilize Ning.

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Permalink Reply by Sheri Ebert on February 27, 2009 at 9:10am

I can create a private Ning. exclude all the bells and whistles and only allow blogging or forums. BUT, Can one person comment on another's blog with a third party's name?

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Bosch on February 27, 2009 at 10:40am

Sheri, If it's like this ning anybody can post anything with any name. I do not manage a ning so I don't know how the settings work. If you are looking for a blog you should set up a blog, there is a guy here at CR2.0 that just set up a class blog using classchatterlive--looks easy to use and cheap--$30.00 a year for unlimited class size with no ads. Don't try to recreate a social network, think Facebook, MySpace, if you don't want the responsibity of managing it. Later N.

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Permalink Reply by Sheri Ebert on February 27, 2009 at 12:25pm

Thanks, I see the issues, thanks for your input. I may consider changing back to imbee or 21classes.

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Bosch on February 25, 2009 at 7:50pm

I'm not as negative as Penderei, but there are lots of nooks and cranny that have to be closely monitored---messaging, uploading photos and videos, friending and unfriending, blogs, homepage etc. I would certainly make sure you are educated about it and willing to put in the time it takes to monitor. Also make sure all your permissions and AUPs are in place. FYI, you have to be 13 to use ning. (You didn't mention how old your kids were)

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Permalink Reply by Sheri Ebert on February 27, 2009 at 9:08am

I am with you on this one. I have been able to only allow blogging when I create the site excluding all the other nooks and crannies. I can't access the site unless I have a password or have been invited.

Another question: Can one student comment on another students blog using a third party's name?

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie Disbury on February 28, 2009 at 11:51am

Hiya - I just looked at ning.com for the 1st time - there was an inappropriate picture cartoon right there on the homepage so I didn't even bother signing up! Sorry!
Have you considered www.edu20.org ?
I've only used it as a VLE but there are the usual chat/forum options and you can isolate your classes.

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