Starting a Ning network for my faculty and staff

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Barbara Wright on October 24, 2007 at 9:43pm

Liz and Matthew,
I created a social network for the teachers of my district this summer, and got about 25 of 60 signed upover the course of the past two months, but most do not participate. I have tried to post a lot of short blog posts, lists of links, etc, but what got the most people interested was just the opportunity to be social with each other.

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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Davis on October 24, 2007 at 9:49pm

Barbara,
How were people social? Did they discuss personal stuff? Did they post personal pictures? Did they plan social events? What worked?

Matthew,
What kind of content did you post?

Thanks
-Liz

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Permalink Reply by Abby Thaker on June 7, 2008 at 3:29pm

Mathew - is your site for teachers using Open Court open to anyone, or just for teachers at your school? I know some teachers I'd like to share this with if it's open to anyone. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Barbara Wright on October 25, 2007 at 6:11am

I think it was very much like the kids comment to each other on facebook or myspace. They were greeting friends in the other building, sending congratulations and teasing each other gently. Planning events has not worked yet, and I'm not really sure how much people read all the professional development material I've posted, although I did add google analytics to see how many people visit the site. The average time per visit is high, but that's probably only because of me. ;)
Matthew, you seem to be very successful with your efforts. I wouldn't say that our network is really "working" yet. Our district as a whole is very behind with technology, and I thought that they could gradually get used to the tools by using the ning.

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Permalink Reply by pete whitfield on October 25, 2007 at 12:00am

I agree that the network will be self-sustaining once it reaches that critical mass - I'm using one for my music department - staff, students and ex students. I'm having to drive it still, with the help of a few other enthusiasts. A few things I'm trying - be provocative and contentious (if you can avoid being rude!) to kick start responses, have a 'hot topic' of the week and use the 'message all members' facility to tell everyone, uses forums rather than email to promote opportunities then mail non-members about the things they are missing by not being in the network. Look for success stories you can celebrate - like connections made or problems solved as a result of the network too. The more I use social networks, the more I have email!

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Permalink Reply by Connie Weber on October 25, 2007 at 5:54am

This is a great discussion! Pooling our network's experience in starting nings and keeping them lively will be very useful. Thanks so much for starting this, Liz!

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Bosch on October 25, 2007 at 7:01pm

Is it just human nature to focus on the one negative? Obviously the person knows something about technology, I wonder what the luddites are thinking! I've taught in a program for 25 years that "gets no respect". You get used to people not understanding what you do when you teach gifted kids. I feel your pain. :) N.

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Permalink Reply by Sharon Betts on October 25, 2007 at 7:10pm

I have a network for people in my district as well as anyone that comes to a presentation or just finds us. You all are welcome to join.
It is dedicated to professional development ideas - and is slowly gaining ground. I have had some major family issues this Fall and haven't spent the time to "push" it along. But, things are better now and I hope to be more present there myself.
It is a real challenge finding the critical mass and "gotcha" for any new endeavor.
Come on over -
http://newlearning.ning.com

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Permalink Reply by Connie Weber on October 26, 2007 at 6:03am

Pete's ideas of posting articles that get people wanting to talk seems like a good one.
Think of Alfie Kohn and homework, for instance, or articles from the recent Educational Leadership which has the theme of teacher leadership, or articles on what kids are doing in the new digital age. Also, how about health stuff: articles on the benefits of tea, wine, chocolate! How about links to cheap airfare, community events and entertainment, local weather? Having a heap of tantalizing links all available upon singin may provide a "carrot."

Teachers who are techno-phobes often do well if they get one-on-one help from a student whose job is teaching teachers how to sign on, navigate, and participate.

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Permalink Reply by Jane Krauss on October 26, 2007 at 10:45am

I think 20 out of 120 is a good start. I think we need to remember that this interaction over the Web stuff is a really new concept for most. Classroom 2.0 has grown into a high-functioning network and I expect very few of us 3500 members were using a tool like this prior to joining - Look what thousands of neophytes are accomplishing in a short time!
Making special content available through your Ning site seems like a good idea, and I'd also build up the water cooler aspects. Have early members of your network talk up what they are finding, gaining from being in the social network. Also, encourage everyone to join your site and other Ning networks as well- ones that suit their professional or personal interests. Maybe dabbling in their avocations (see Petbrags on Ning) will help them appreciate how a social network for your school can enrich their professional life, too.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hargadon on October 26, 2007 at 11:11am

I would personally look for some area / conversation / need where the faculty and staff could actually play a real and constructive role in helping facilitate some kind of change or improvement.

One of the things that I love about collaborative technologies is the ability to figure things out and come to better conclusions because of the interaction of diverse and creative voices. I'd look for some school decision coming up where the administration is actually willing to allow a true forum for dialog, and let the network actually result in something being done better because of it. :)

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Bosch on October 26, 2007 at 12:09pm

I've been meaning to say this since this discussion started--so I'll say it. I look around at my faculty and can see them worried about what they say being "out there" for others to read. It's one thing to make a comment over lunch in the teacher's lounge; it's another to post it to a blog or networking site.

I do like Steve's idea of posting some areas of concern and having the staff brainstorm possible solutions. This seems like a task we seldom are called on to do or don't have time to do in faculty meetings. I served a school once that had faculty meeting in the morning, for us early risers that was great. 3:30 in the afternoon I'n at my lowest and all I want to do is get home.

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