Will Richardson once shared, “I’ve learned more in my four-plus years as a blogger than I have in all my years of formal education.” He wasn’t referring to blogging as a classroom tool, but rather as a personal and professional development resource. And he argues that it has been a more effective learning tool than his traditional schooling. But how can this be?
For Will, and many others, blogging has sparked meaningful conversations about education. The tools of Web 2.0 (or the “read/write Web”) often trigger a personal learning renaissance, where you can engage with great thinkers, read, listen, interview, and create content that deepens your understanding. It’s an interactive, dynamic way of learning that goes beyond the passive consumption of information in traditional educational settings.
The Challenge of Blogging for Educators
However, let’s be honest about the reality: convincing educators to embrace blogging can be difficult. Most teachers are already stretched thin with their daily responsibilities and don’t have the extra time to learn how to set up a blog, write posts, comment on others’ blogs, track conversations, and slowly build an audience. It can feel overwhelming and often results in a “speak to the empty room” experience before any meaningful connections are made.
So, is there an easier way to tap into the value of blogging and the read/write web? The answer lies in a platform many educators might not have considered: social networking sites.
Social Networking Sites: A Gateway to Professional Development
While platforms like MySpace may have started with more personal, social interactions, and Facebook was initially designed for college students, they have their limitations when it comes to fostering meaningful, in-depth dialogue. Facebook’s social interaction features are great for keeping in touch, but it doesn’t provide the tools needed to create rich, engaging conversations. Facebook groups, for instance, often end up feeling more like a collection of “OK, I’m here, now what?” comments.
But then came Ning.
Ning: A Platform for Educators to Collaborate and Learn
Ning, co-founded by Marc Andreessen of Netscape fame, has evolved into a powerful platform for creating customizable social networks. It might have been hard to see its potential at first, but now it’s clear: Ning offers educators and students a user-friendly way to experience the interactive benefits of the Web 2.0 world.
Ning allows you to create personalized social networks that integrate blogs, forums, photo and video sharing, and even RSS feeds—features that foster active engagement. It provides a space where educators can easily test the waters of the read/write web without overwhelming themselves or their students. With minimal setup, Ning networks enable deep, focused conversations on topics that matter.
Inspired by the “Library 2.0” network on Ning (which has over 700 members), Will Richardson created a “Classroom 2.0” network in just a few hours. It quickly became a vibrant space for educators to connect and discuss the use of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom. And the best part? You can create your own social network for your class, school, district, or any community of your choice.
Easy Setup and Safety Features
What makes Ning especially appealing is how simple it is to set up a professional learning network. The platform allows you to create a safe space for collaboration, with the ability to control who joins and what content is shared. Profiles can be anonymous, and both the network creator and users can approve content before it’s posted. This ensures that the platform remains student-friendly while still offering meaningful professional development opportunities for educators.
The only drawback? Ning’s default Google ads (which often feature unrelated content like singles ads) can be a concern for educators. However, for a small fee of $20 per month, you can eliminate these ads. A more streamlined, ad-free experience would certainly make Ning even more appealing for the educational community.
Social networking platforms like Ning have the potential to revolutionize professional development for educators. By providing an accessible, engaging, and safe space for collaboration, Ning and similar tools allow educators to break free from traditional, static learning methods and engage in dynamic, meaningful conversations about teaching and learning. So, if you’re looking for a simple yet powerful way to enhance your professional growth and collaborate with others in education, social networking might just be the key.