1. Go to Ning.com and create an account.



2. Click on SETTINGS, and enter any information you feel is useful.



3. In SETTINGS, click the LINKS tab, and add links if you wish.


4. On the sidebar, click on EMAIL, and configure it according to your preferences (decide whether or not you want to be notified of new posts, requests, or notifications within your Ning or any Social Networks you create within it).


5. Now the cool part! You can create a social network (a la Facebook) dedicated to a particular endeavor. As you remember, social networks allow members to share ideas, text, and multimedia files in a public or semi-public space. This is where the magic happens.


6. Here's where you add content, push out assignments, pose questions, and create groups. Only you can work on this page--you administer it, and students work within it.


7. Jazz it up--or down.


8. Behold the new "Facebook" page for your class, section, or unit. Share the URL address with your students.



9. Click back to the Ning, rinse, and repeat as needed.