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.
This session will demonstrate two social
networks hosted on Ning. One is a part of
the formal delivery of a course, the other
is as a student support group. Problems
and opportunities for using Nings will be
discussed in small groups. Feedback will
then produce a summary of our evaluation
into the use of social networks as part of a
formal course set in national context.