Ning in 8th Grade

[Kelly]

I'm looking for any help. I'm the technology teacher and I have created a Ning for the 8th Grade, hoping that they, and directing them to use this tool, for discussion or blogs about the book they are reading in literature class or any other school work they would want to discuss. I'm finding that they using this as they would their facebook page. Maybe I'm not giving enough instruction. I wanted to test out the Ning technology. I have instructed them, that I see everything on the Ning... I have started discussions, with no luck. Any Suggestions?

[judibea]

I had to turn to PBWORKS (a wiki) for any work with those under age of 13 due to "nervousness" on the part of some to allow students on the NING. This was a year ago and since then perhaps there is a greater feeling of acceptance of social networking sites for those younger than 13 years of age. But nonetheless I do believe PBWORKS is a great WIKI as it does not require that students have an e-mail account. Otherwise I would suggest:

1) Invite some teachers to join and post a question for response.
2) Consider joining SCHOOL TUBE and having students use Photo Story or Animoto (free for 30 seconds only) to create a book advertisement (book trailers) to stir up interest in a fav they have read. Upload the video to your NING!
3) Check out the WIDGETS---these will be great!
4) Create a NETIQUETTE page posting the growing reflections about online citizenship and safety--post a video for viewing and response! Best wishes!
5)

5

[judibea]

Whatever we do it all comes back to WHY are we doing it--what is the purpose. As a library-media specialist, and having taught 8th grade I think that this is a great opportunity for digital literacy, focusing on a book discussion or a theme that they are all studying in another class---get a content area teacher to collaborate with you on this. Right now you can consider the experience "sand-box" exploration! All the best!

[Kelly]

Thank you, this is very helpful.... I have been trying to get the literature teacher... to help me start the discussions... I'll keep trying.