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 Katz December 2, 2009

2. Objectives Provide 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 Provided Go to http://cdspd.wikispaces.com Click on the School-Wide Presentations link This presentation & all links are provided

4. Social Network (Ning) Like Facebook, but for whatever you want. Personal profile Can participate in discussions Post messages, blogs, videos, and photos Have friends Join groups Apps, widgets, & chat

5. Some “Nings” Classroom 2.o The CUE Community Vid Snacks K12 Online Conference Star Quest Production Network CDS

6. Ning Features Especially good for writing Blogs Threaded Discussions Groups Various posting options Community No 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. Wikis Wiki = quick Website Easily editable WYSIWYG Embed other items http://www.flickr.com/photos/cogdog/19490596/

9. Popular Wikis Wikipedia Wikispaces PBWorks Wet Paint

10. Example Wikis http://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 Features Collaborative posting Threaded discussion Multimedia

12. How can you use it in class? Resource Creation Student Participation Group Projects Student Interaction For the Classroom Community

13. Blogs Public (or private) forum for writing Displayed in reverse chronological order Feedback/comments

14. Popular Blogs Wordpress Class Blogmeister Posterous Edublogs Blogger

15. Sample Blogs Panther Online Press (POP) World Cultures & Language Arts CLC Ambassadors 5 Literature Blog Ms. Fernandez Miss Falkenstern’s Class

16. Features Post text & various media Comments Categorize postings Various templates to choose from Add widgets

17. How can you use it in class? Writing Feedback on writing Showcase student work Sharing with students & parents Post assignments

18. Credits