Ning versus VLE; what does social networking offer teaching and learning?

Social networks are a part of most students online lives (JISC 2008, Creanor et al 2006, Conole et al 2006). They offer a different look and feel to the institutionally hosted VLE and this encourages different sort of behaviour. The focus is on user generated content whereas in a VLE the navigation and structure is fixed by the VLE/tutor and the users have to fit into what tutors set up.

In this Pecha Kucha presentation I will illustrate the differences between a social network hosted on Ning and a typical VLE. Problems and opportunities for using Nings will be discussed.