This document discusses how social networking sites and screencasts can be combined to engage students in online learning. It provides examples of how the presenter used the social networking site Ning and the screencasting tool Jing to enhance an introductory media writing course. Students responded positively to discussing course content and reviewing screencasts on Ning, and appreciated the flexibility of accessing materials online. While there are challenges to using these technologies, their combination can promote student interaction, engagement, individual pacing, and flexible instruction.