Using Ning as a School Social Network

Dianne Krause

Cathy Laguna


Session Description

Harness the power of Social Networking in your class or school with a Ning network. Creating a Ning network for your students, class, school or district sparks cross-district friendship, sharing, collaboration, and learning. Come and learn how to set up a Ning, some tips & tricks for getting started, and ideas for use.


What is Ning?

According to Wikipedia, "Ning is an online platform for users to create their own social websites and social networks. The unique feature of Ning is that anyone can create their own custom social network for a particular topic or need, catering to specific audiences."


What is unique about Ning?

  • Ning is unique in that is one of the only free platforms with which someone, anyone, can create their own social network.
  • Although there are other sites to create social networks, Ning is very easy to use, customize, and manage.
  • Best of all, it's free and educators K-12 who use it can get the advertisements removed for free.
  • Creators have complete control over their networks including the selection of features, color theme for the site, images on the site, set-up of the pages, permissions of users, privacy settings and so much more.
  • To learn more about Ning and view a full list of features, click HERE.


But what is a social network?

Check out this quick explanatory video from Common Craft:

Why use Ning?

  • An abundance of features:
    • Profile pages - each member can customize and add content and applications
    • Groups - private or public
    • Discussion Forums - global or in groups
    • Blogging - all built in
    • Video and Photo sharing, with the ability to add comments
    • Live chat
    • Music
  • Walled Garden Approach: Nings can be private or public, depending on your needs with different moderation settings.
  • Allows for true differentiation and personalized learning.
  • 24/7 availability of discussions, resources, communication and collaboration.
  • Allows for easy local, state, and global collaboration.
  • Can be used both synchronously and asynchronously.
  • Can use your Ning as your "one stop shop" for everything you'd like to do online with your students.
  • Ning in Education Ning

Wissahickon's Ning

Visit WSD Professional Learning Network

The employees of WSD have their own Ning network called the WSD Professional Learning Network. It is closed to the public and accessible only by invitation.

Watch the video below to learn more about WSD's Ning.

How to Create a Ning Network Video

Educational Nings


Pennsylvania Nings


School & Subject Area Nings


Resource Nings


Global Nings


Resources