Ning, which lets Web users create their own social networks about any topic they want, plans to open a virtual gift shop on Wednesday. Users will be able to buy and sell virtual gifts, as they can on some other social networks, including Facebook. On Ning, they will also be able to create and sell their own, custom-designed virtual gifts.
Ning trying to spread it's wings. Let's users create their own social networks-mini facebooks-if you will. Ning is slowly becoming popular in classrooms and institutions of higher learning
It looks like many people are starting to use real names and not just monikers as the value of transparency increases among social network participants.
This is a major online conference with keynotes by Howard Gardner and by me, among many others. Worth examining the program to find talks in which you might be interested.
Imagine being a little middle-school basketball player, and getting a real email message from SHAQ. Thats what social networks are doing to allow novice teachers the ability to receive their most pressing questions answered by masters in their field.