Ning is an online platform for users to create their own social websites and social networks, launched in October 2005. Ning was co-founded by Marc Andreessen and Gina Bianchini. Ning is Andreessen's third startup (after Netscape and Opsware), and gets much of its notability from Andreessen's successes with those companies. Ning hopes to compete with large social sites like MySpace and Facebook, by appealing to users who want to create networks around specific interests or have limited technical skills. The unique feature of Ning is that anyone can create their own custom social network for a particular topic or need, catering to specific audiences. At its launch, Ning offered several simple base websites developed internally and by members of a closed beta. In late September of 2006, Ning narrowed its focus to offering a group website, a photos website, and a videos website for people to copy and use for any purpose. Later, these three templates were superseded by a single customizable template aimed at allowing non-developers to more easily customize their copy of the social website. However, Ning does allow developers to have some source level control of their social networks, enabling them to change features and underlying logic.
Read 7 Things You Need to Know About Ning.
The bottom line is that a Nings is a social networking tool that allows you to collaborate with people in your field of interest from all over the world. There are many different things you can do in a Ning, and there are many different Nings out there that cater to specific interests. So go out and explore these online "group gatherings" to see what they are like and the advantages of belonging to one.
Here are three Nings to try looking at:
Teacher Librarian Ning
Texas School Librarian Ning
Ning for Teachers
Discovery:
Go to either one of the Nings above or find one that intrests you and look at the different features and options then write a blog post about what you think a Ning would be good for and how you might use it.
12.25.2008
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I think that I would really use the Ning quite a bit! I went to the Texas School Library Ning. I spent quite a bit of time looking a posting about the conference at TLA! It was also interesting looking at all of the photos! :)
ReplyDeleteIn looking at the different Nings I feel the Teacher Librarian Ning has the most useful setup.
ReplyDeleteThe different tabs allows members to quickly access interest only information without having to read information that they're not interested in. It also allows the owner quick and easy access for updating.
This setup allows postings for upcoming events, photos of author visits, booktalks,etc.
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Kim, I went to the TX School Library ning also. I clicked on the blogs tab since I'm interested in learning more about blogging. They blogged about writing dissertations, hair loss in men, the Radio Shack Cycling Team, and then I found the one about TLA. I don't understand why some of those blogs are connected to that Ning. I did like looking at the pictures of the library decorations and authors, though! :) Jen
ReplyDeleteNings are a great communication tool. i.e. The Teacher Librarian Ning has a broad variety of topics. It could be very helpful for any library related topic.
ReplyDeleteThe unique feature of Ning is that anyone can create their own custom social networking tool for any topic from general to specific.
It allows you to collaborate with people in your field anywhere in the world.
In looking at different Nings, The Teacher Librarian Ning has a most useful setup.
The various tabs allow you to quickly access interest only information without becoming bogged down in something you're not interested in. You are allowed easy access.
Another great feature to being able to post upcoming events, author visits, and book fairs.
After looking at all three suggested Nings, the one I liked the most was "Teacher Librarian Ning"! I like dthe way it was organized the best! My teachers will love the lessons and it will be a great source for me also when creating library lessons!
ReplyDeleteOne great thing about Nings as opposed to FaceBook or MySpace is that while it is social, it is also centered around specific interests. I checked out all three Nings and liked Teacher Librarian Ning the most. I felt like the ideas being shared were worth my time to read whether it was about book club ideas, collaboration, or decorating. I also visited the blog posts and appreciated the input from the responders. I thought this Ning was set up better than Texas School Librarians Ning,but still enjoyed the forum on the later. The Teacher Lingo Ning would be most suitable for its lessons and message board. I would provide it for teachers to check out particularly if they are searching for new ideas; however, most teachers I know are so overwhelmed already, I'm not sure how many would take advantage of it.
ReplyDeleteLaura