Introductions

[Steve Hargadon]

Welcome! Please introduce yourself, let us know who you are and where you are from, and, if you are already using Ning in an educational setting, how you are using it.

[Rachel Blanco]

Hi. I'm Rachel from Sunny South Florida. I teach Geometry and Algebra II Honors. I am looking into using a Ning site for my classes this coming school year. I used a class webpage last year and would like to use something more interactive and Ning definitely fits that category. I am looking for any suggestions on how to effectively, and securely use it in a high school setting, particularly math classes.

[Susan Hopkins]

Hello - I am Susan, a displaced teacher in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System presently seeking to either return to the classroom or to work in the education market in another capacity. Presently, I have enrolled in graduate school to study Organizational and Stragegic Communication, choosing to focus on the business of education rather than seek another education degree.
Last year I moved to England to teach and discovered British schoolchildren are somewhat advanced in using IT at an earlier age. I would like to help American schools and teachers recognise the array of educational tools embedded in IT and the value of IT in the academic world. British teachers seem much more comfortable integrating IT into their lessons on a daily basis.
My personal goal (if I return to the classroom) is to utilise podcasts and social media as learning tools; to seek a grant for my own interactive whiteboard; and to encourage my school system to allow access to apps such as Ning. Within the limited constraints of my former system's computer systems, I used a personal "class" website and online publication as a teaching tool and incorporated a considerable amount of interaction with the Internet and e-mail into my lessons. I hope to learn more from interacting with others on this site.

[Scot Laudenbach]

Hello from Illinois! I am new to teaching (still looking for that first social studies job), changing careers after 16 years in retail maangement and human resources. I am excited to learn the different ways that many colaborate in education versus retail. I want to show my students (whenI have them) that people can share ideas and the world becomes a better place because of it. I look forward to colaborating and learning along the way!

[RUTH TESTA]

I am both a teacher and an administrator in a small private Catholic school on Long Island, New York. I am interested in integrating technology into prep for students taking New York State tests. These test results are important to our school community because we are located in an area with excellent public schools. I am open to any ideas that would help to enrich and motivate our students , even if they have fun doing it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We must keep an academic to attrack new students. We go from N to grade 8; with a full-time preschool and full-time kinder.
Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fran Lo]

Hi - I teach middle school students English and computer skills --- and live to tell about it, probably because they are funny and engaging, and haven't developed the crust of high schoolers so they just love to learn. I also help teachers in my 6-12 parochial school in the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and the internet, as well as support and encourage teachers using technology in their classrooms. My days are never dull.

Fran Lo
St. Bernard School
Connecticut

[RUTH TESTA]

MY TECHNO TEACHER HAS HIS BIGGEST CHALLENGE TEACHING THE TEACHERS

[Tracy Weaver]

Hello. My name is Tracy Weaver. I live and teach in Mesa, Arizona. I teach many levels of English writing and reading, and I coach a speech and debate team. I value the use of any technology in the classroom as long as it is used for the good of education. I started my own ning for my students to write, read and share with each other. I want to learn as much as possible here.

[John Paulett]

Tracy,

We have similar jobs. I teach English and coach debate. I look forward to sharing experiences with the technology.

JP

[John Paulett]

Hello, this is John from Oak Park IL (next to Chicago.) I have been using social networks and LMS in my Senior British Literature classes. This year I have created a Ning network. I am approaching this with great excitement. The students who have helped me evaluate different options share the enthusiasm. I look forward to learning from all of you and hope to be a good contributor as well.

[christos christou]

My name is Christos Christou and I come from Larnaca Cyprus. I've been a teacher for as long as I can remember amongst other things such as being a radio dj etc. etc.. I teach english language to senior high school students along with the culture that goes with it. I have always liked knowledge sharing and setting the environment for changing consciousnesses for the better, so I think. I have already ceeated my own ning but I haven't started using it yet. I read a lot and I listen to a lot of music. I am an active member in various political and social non gov. organizations in Cyprys and elsewhere. The most important issues I am facing now are the ongoing reform of the local educational system and the reunification of my country through discussion and a solution of a federal character.

[Shari Brinkman-Young]

Welcome! I am completely new to this forum. We share, I think, a love of learning and teaching. Is your own ning primarily for classroom use? I am intrigued about this possibility. I hail from Maine in the United States.

[Madonna C. Monahan]

Hello! My name is Madonna Monahan and I am an online instructor for Virtual Virginia AP School. I was just introduced to Ning about 30 minutes ago and my mind is going crazy with ideas of how to use Ning! Thank you in advance to all who have shared their ideas!