This lesson is designed for tenth, eleventh, or twelfth graders. Students will learn how to use a Ning (social networking tool) to engage in a virtual literary community. Students will engage in a variety of activities including participation in a Ning-based discussion, creation of a Ning-based blog, and creation of a personal profile. Students will exercise writing skills and technology skills while collaborating in an online environment.

Instructional Goals:

• Students will become familiar with the Ning technology.
• Students will successfully collaborate in an online environment.
• Instruction will be inclusive and differentiated.
• Team teaching will allow for one-on-one guidance.
• To enhance students' computer and technology skills.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to navigate a Ning.
• Students will be able to establish and maintain their own Ning-based blog. 
• Students will be able to respond to Ning-based discussions and blog posts.
• Students will be able to create a Ning profile and customize a personal Ning page.

Motivational Goals:

• Generate student interest in use of technology and social-networking for educational purposes.
• To motivate students to continue to use Nings for both educational and personal purposes.

laptops/computers, copies of “Intro to Ning” worksheet, copies of "Ning-Starter" worksheet, copies of "Ning Evaluation" form, copies of "Ning Lesson Rubric," whiteboard/blackboard

Introduction: Day 1

1. LMS enters classroom with laptop cart and distributes laptops to students, or class sunters library and sits at computers (5 min.)                           

2.  LMS writes social network names on the board and asks students to describe each social network (i.e. Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, blogs, wikis). (5 mins.)

3. LMS writes “ning” on the board and asks for discussion a definition.

4.  After some student-generated definition attempts, LMS will hand out copies of “Intro to Ning" worksheet. Students will complete the activity. (10 mins.)

5.  LMS will collect the worksheets and explain how participating in this activity is just like participating in a ning. (5 min.) 

• Nings connect people and their ideas.
• Nings explore specific topics or issues.
• Nings provide people with a forum for discussion.      

6. Direct students to the web address for the class Ning (www.mrsmithper7.ning.com) and walk them through the process of joining the Ning and creating a profile. (15 mins.)

7. LMS hands out “Ning-Starter” worksheet. Students are instructed to explore the ning and their classmates’ profiles.  Students are asked to customize their ning page by following the instructions on the handout. Students may begin this task if there is time remaining in the period. (5 mins.)

Body: Day 2

8. LMS enters classroom with laptop cart and distributes laptops to students, or class sunters library and sits at computers (5 min.)

9. LMS engages students in a discussion about the features that they found while exploring the ning. (5 mins.)

10. LMS instructs students to sign onto the class Ning.

12. Classroom teacher explains to students that she/he will be posting discussion questions on the ning throughout the year, which students will be required

to answer in ~250 words, by using the “comment” feature. (5 mins.)

13. LMS walks students through the process of responding to a discussion question. (Practice question will have been posted by LMS and teacher

prior to class) (10 mins.)

14. Students are given time to respond to the brainstorming discussion question. (10 mins.)

15. HW: Respond to discussion question posted by teacher in ~250 words.

Body: Day 3

16. LMS enters classroom with laptop cart and distributes laptops to students, or class sunters library and sits at computers (5 min.)

17. LMS and teacher address any questions or concerns regarding previous night’s homework. (5 mins.)

18. Teacher explains to students that they will be using the “Blog” feature as a reading journal.

19. Students are asked to sign onto the class ning.                                   

20. LMS walks students through the process of creating a blog post. (10 mins.)

21. Students are given time to create their first blog post.  Teacher gives them a relevant journal prompt. (i.e. Response to chapter 4 of To Kill a Mockinbird)

(5 mins.)

22. LMS walks students through the process of commenting on a classmate’s blog post. (5 mins.)

23. HW: Students are instructed to finish their blog post if they have not already done so. Students are instructed to leave a comment on

at least 2 of their classmate’s blog posts. (remaining class time)

Day 4: Conclusion (1/2 period)

24. LMS addresses any questions or concerns about the overall process of using a ning. (10 mins.)

Asks students the question:

What are some other ways, outside of this class that you could use a ning? Have a student record ideas on the board. (10 mins.)                                                          

Learning Assessment Method(s):
1. Observation:
Do the students appear to be actively engaged in during the lesson?
Do the students appear to have an understanding of the material being taught?
2. Student completion of all in-class activities and HW assignments (Ning Lesson Rubric).
3. Student Evaluation of Lesson Form.