Social networks (SN) involves making connections between individuals that are typified by some shared value, belief, interest, or need. In online environments networks are connect through nodes and supported by a variety of technologies. In education SN are often used for communities of learning/practice, advising, or special interest groups.

Learner Applications: Communicate, present information, provide feedback, model, scaffold, etc.

Instructor Applications: Communicate, present information, provide feedback, model, scaffold, etc.

Examples:

• Courses on Facebook - Members of Facebook™ (see below)can create courses and networks within the system.
• University of Brighton - An SN that runs on Elgg™ (see below)

Services:

• Ning - A free service for creating networks on any topic.
• Diggo - A bookmarkng services that offers a threaded discussion forum.
  
• Elgg - A server-based open source software package to create social networks.
  
• Epsilen - A professional portfolio + social networking service for anyone with a .edu email address. This service is free to individuals but requires institutional membership to offer courses.
• LearnHub - A social learning network where people teach & learn online.
• My Space - This free service provides a variety of functions for social networking, including rating faculty members.
  
• Facebook - Intended for education, Facebook is a free service that is used by families, friends as well as students.
  
• LinkedIn - A free professional networking tool that allows members to create profiles, store recommendations, and apply for positions. Generates networks based on those to whom you are linked.
  

Successful Practices:

References:

Folksonomy