Thing #18

Ning might take a while to get used to for someone like me. There's so much going on that it's hard to know where to start, but I suppose as you learn more about what you're needs and goals are, the easier it becomes to navigate the sites.

Opportunities for a PLN like Ning:

• -Book discussions: As a language arts teacher I LOVE the idea of kids interacting over a book online! All students have an equal opportunity to share, whether they like to dominate a conversation or need time to think and process before responding.
  
• -School connections: A great way for teachers within a team or building to connect, problem-solve, and interact. Of course face-to-face meetings are preferred, but in today's chaotic school day this might be an answer!
• -Cultivating ideas: If you have an idea for your classroom using technology but aren't sure how to go about implementing it, toss the idea out on the PLN and get feedback from those who may have done something similar...find out what works and what doesn't!
• -Having questions answered: Again, if you're running stuck or aren't sure what to do with a project, etc. throw out a question on a forum or blog and wait for the wisdom to come forth!
• -Students could post their work: I found one entry a student had written, excited about this method of interaction for her class.

Problems with a PLN like Ning:

• -Losing/avoiding face-to-fact interaction: In particular with colleagues you may see on a daily basis.
• -Non-use, limited use, or negative use by colleagues: If a building decides to use a PLN to stay in touch, etc. there will likely be teachers who refuse to participate or turn the platform into a complaining session.
• -Reuse?: One forum I read had a question posted by a teacher wishing to reuse the PLN he set up last year for students, but wanted to eliminate them and add new students to the list. He wasn't sure if there was a way to do this and no one had answered his question yet.
• -Difficult to monitor: Immature students could take advantage the freedom of a PLN.
• -Student spelling: We all know students "write" differently on technology tools, and the slang shows up in formal writing as well. I read postings by students who thought this was a gr8 way 2 share r work. That scares me.