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.

[Valerie Burton]

I am Valerie from New Orleans, Louisiana. I am a Freshman English Teacher who has fallen in love with Web 2.0 applications. Over the past year, I have taken over 90 hours of technology training and workshops. I want to use these powerful tools to engage my students so that they can produce well thought out and meaningful work. (That sounds like an idealistic goal, doesn't it? I am willing to stand by it though)

I look forward to sharing with and learning from all of you. To have a Professional Learning Network has been an eye opening experience to me so thank you all in advance for your contributions to my learning.

[Joey Hill]

Hi, all,

My name is Joey, and I teach English and French at Carlmont High School at in Belmont, CA, just south of San Francisco, where I have resided for eleven years. I was born in the Appalachian (prn. app-a-latch-un, not app-a-lay-shun, by the way) Mountains, near Asheville, NC. Two years ago, my vice-principle created a network for the teachers in our school; he mentioned in at a faculty meeting, and I was smitten. By the end of the day, I had created a network for my senior English classes. Since then, I have created and used networks for each course I teach, each club I sponsor, my family, and for alumni and friends of my classes (Ning has been nothing short of a blessing in terms of helping me stay connected to my yung'uns, as we call them in the South, when they've gone out into the world).

[Lynne Schrum]

Hi Joey, I am very eager to learn how you use the tools with your students, and how they respond. Would you answer some questions for me? How do the students like staying connected once they move on? What types of things do you have them doing in class? Lynne ([e-mail])

[Lynne Schrum]

Hi all, my name is Lynne Schrum and I am a professor at George Mason University. I use other Nings and social networking but am new here. I am very eager to know how you or others are using these tools with your students, or as a professional development tool. If you are willing to share your experiences please write to me at [e-mail]. Lynne

[Grace Chege]

Grace Chege in Kibwezi, Kenya, Imani Primary school headmistress.

[Jin Woo]

G'day from Vic Australia. I have just posted a small intro and put it in a discussion forum. I'm learning. Just started exploring Ning and an eager to find out how it can be used in the classroom. Currently studying part time Bachelor of Education. I'm a beginner when it comes to technology and am nervous about live sites and the unknown of the web, however, I am amazed at the vast array of tools availble to teachers and education in web 2 technologies.Look forward to learning heaps.
Jin Woo

[Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro]

Hi Jin,
Don't be nervous... enjoy.. remember--you won't take down the entire site or the entire internet no matter what you do. Just have some fun with it... Save any documents you are writing or typing every 5 or 10 minutes and you won't lose much no matter what mistakes you may make. To be extra sure make a CD of your important new files at least once a week for now. Just one warning... if you don't have anti-virus software get some as soon as possible. There are some bad people out there who will try to ruin your system. The anti-virus software should protect you. Let me know if I can be of any help. Consider joining the Technology Integration in Education Ning.

[Nicholas Park]

Hey from Darien, IL. I am very interested in integrating technology into the middle school classrooms. I am looking forward to using Ning to make that integration possible. With an adolescents current exposure to social networking (ie. facebook/myspace, twitter), Ning can be a gateway to bringing social networks into the classroom. I am excited to see how the features can work their way into my daily curriculum.

[Jennifer Collison]

Hi, everyone. I'm Jennifer. I teach psychology, AP English, and film history to high school juniors and seniors. It's my 12th year teaching. This is my second experience with a Ning; I also utilize one as part of the National Council of Teachers of English's professional exchange. At NCTE, we post our lessons, videos, and other content from presentations we've made nationally. I look forward to dialoguing with you, too.

In other news, I've recently returned from a teaching exchange to Thailand. Such an incredible experience. I was able to visit some mental health facilities there and speak with several psychiatric nurses. This is a culture that has only recently embraced the idea of professional counseling. It's still very much a medical model - white, pointed hats and the idea that you can always find a "cure" for what ails you. Still, considering the emphasis on saving face, it's a step forward from bearing one's burdens alone.

Here's to new ideas and newer looks at older ones.

[Carla]

Hi - I'm Carla Magoon, I am a teacher and lead laptop teacher at CDS Middle school in Orrington, Maine. I am trying to get a handle on this Ning so maybe I can use it in my classes this year.

[Tracy Steen]

Tracy from Kentucky. Loves horses and hanging with my friends. This helps talk to them and help them at school.

[Travis Matthew Carver]

The Names Travis Matthew Carver.
I'm from Kentucky, Living in a small town.
This is good for helping my friends out in school.
I'm one for hanging with friends, Currently in search for the right girl and the right friends.
I am a peoples person that loves to do practically everything.
I am not great at math but I have a strong interest in computers aswell.