Evaluation of Communication Tool "Ning"

Ning

What is Ning?

Ning is an online social media platform that allows users to create their own social networks and to join others. No technical skills are required to set up the social network and there are no limits on the number of networks a user can join. The creator of the network can choose who has access to their network and users can choose which networks they want to participate in.

How could Ning be used in the classroom?

Ning’s familiar set up is comfortable for learners who have been using social networks like Facebook. As a teacher I could create a network that is only open to my learners to share their work and thinking. Or I could open it up to families of my learners for them to share in our learning. My older learners could also create their own Ning centered around a specific topic to illicit global conversations and insights.

Rubric:

EDU 568 Communication Tool Rubric Group 4
Characteristics	4	3	2	1	Score
Purpose	I can communicate with a global audience.	I can communicate with a select audience.	I can give information to a global audience but can not receive feedback.	I can give information to a select audience.	4
Usability and Navigation	I can easily navigate the tool the tool is very intuitive.	With a little practice the tool is easy to navigate.	The tool can be used and navigated with assistance.	Very hard to use even with practice.	3
Appropriateness	The communication tool is appropriate for all 5 age levels included: Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Learners	The communication tool is appropriate for 4 of the age levels included: Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Learners	The communication tool is appropriate for 3of the age levels included: Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Learners	The communication tool is appropriate for 1-2 of the age levels included: Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Learners	3
Help/Support	Support is readily available to guide you through using the tool.	Support can be found if searched for, but is not instantaneous.	Support is limited.	There is no support.	4
Information Sharing	The tool allows users to link to other sites such as Facebook, Twitter & Blogs and compresses URLs into shortened links (bitly).	The tool allows users to link to other sites such as Facebook, Twitter & Blogs.	The tool only allows limited links to other sites.	The tool does not allow linking to other sites.	4
Safety/Monitoring	Allows monitoring & editing by teacher/gatekeeper.	Allows teacher monitoring but limited editing.	Allows teacher monitoring but no editing capabilities.	No ability for teacher to monitor or edit.	3
Cost	Unlimited free accounts for students, staff & parents. Unlimited cloud storage.	Some options are free or cost is minimal.	Minimal fee for all accounts.	Annual fee.	1
Design	The communication tool meets all of the criteria listed: It is neat and organized, simple and not overstuffed,the background does not interfere with the text, and the layout is visually appealing.	The communication tool meets 3 of the criteria listed: It is neat and organized, simple and not overstuffed,the background does not interfere with the text, and the layout is visually appealing.	The communication tool meets 2 of the criteria listed: It is neat and organized, simple and not overstuffed,the background does not interfere with the text, and the layout is visually appealing..	The communication tool meets 1 or none of the criteria listed: It is neat and organized, simple and not overstuffed,the background does not interfere with the text, and the layout is visually appealing.	4
Accessibility	I can access the tool from any device, does not require an application, and fast instant notification of communication.	I can access the tool from most common devices, may require an application to be downloaded and receive notifications if the application is open.	I can access the tool from only one kind of device, application is required to be downloaded, and only can receive notification if application is open and refreshed.	I can access the tool form only one kind of device and it is glitchy. It requires an application to be downloaded, no notifications or inconsistent.	4
				Total: 30

In conclusion I will probably not be using Ning with my learners even though it scored well on my rubric. The cost alone is a big deterrent for me, especially since there are so many free tools that work in similar ways.