This document provides an overview and comparison of blogs, wikis, and social networks (Nings) for educational use. It describes the basic features and functions of each tool, including posting content, commenting, and collaborating. Examples of popular platforms are listed for each (e.g. Wordpress, Wikispaces, Facebook). The document encourages choosing a tool based on what best fits one's project needs and sharing content to engage students in class.

1. Blogs & Wikis & Nings, oh my!By Steve KatzDecember 2, 2009

2. ObjectivesProvide a basic knowledge of blogs, wikis, & nings.Active participation (from you).Enable you to choose which is best for your class.Create your own.

3. All Links ProvidedGo to http://cdspd.wikispaces.comClick on the School-Wide Presentations linkThis presentation & all links are provided

4. Social Network (Ning)Like Facebook, but for whatever you want.Personal profileCan participate in discussionsPost messages, blogs, videos, and photosHave friendsJoin groupsApps, widgets, & chat

5. Some “Nings”Classroom 2.oThe CUE CommunityVid SnacksK12 Online ConferenceStar Quest Production NetworkCDS

6. Ning FeaturesEspecially good for writingBlogsThreaded DiscussionsGroupsVarious posting optionsCommunityNo longer writing for the teacher

7. Should I use a Ning?Does it fit with your project?Features?Flexibility?Privacy?Should I make my own?Join the CDS ning??

8. WikisWiki = quickWebsite Easily editableWYSIWYGEmbed other itemshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/cogdog/19490596/

9. Popular WikisWikipediaWikispacesPBWorksWet Paint

10. Example Wikishttp://cdspd.wikispaces.com/http://cds4a.wikispaces.com/http://aroundtheworldwith80schools.wikispaces.com/http://electionkatz.wikispaces.com/http://alg1statsproject.wikispaces.com/http://webster-books.wikispaces.com/http://honorsliterature.wikispaces.com/http://iclassroom.pbworks.com/

11. Wiki FeaturesCollaborative postingThreaded discussionMultimedia

12. How can you use it in class?Resource CreationStudent ParticipationGroup ProjectsStudent InteractionFor the ClassroomCommunity

13. BlogsPublic (or private) forum for writingDisplayed in reverse chronological orderFeedback/comments

14. Popular BlogsWordpressClass BlogmeisterPosterousEdublogsBlogger

15. Sample BlogsPanther Online Press (POP)World Cultures & Language ArtsCLC Ambassadors 5Literature BlogMs. FernandezMiss Falkenstern’s Class

16. FeaturesPost text & various mediaComments Categorize postingsVarious templates to choose fromAdd widgets

17. How can you use it in class?WritingFeedback on writingShowcase student workSharing with students & parentsPost assignments

18. Credits