Using Social Networking in an Alternative High School

Hi,

I teach financial survival, computers, math, and p.e. in an alternative high school in northern California. I'd love to hear some ideas others have about integrating social networking into their classroom while working with at-risk teens. My kids love doing hands-on projects and seem to be much more open to assignments when they're allowed to use computers. I'm lucky in that I have 12 computers in my room, so all my kids have access.

I recently created a Ning network, but of course I'm just learning about it and can't do much with it yet. any ideas about what kinds of learning opportunities I can present through Ning.

Thanks for any assistance you can give me.

Bob