Final Course ProjectThe Eat the Book ning

Patricia R. HarrisEDFL 675 – S. Headley

Christians in a Networked WorldApril 20, 2009

What is a ning?

• A ning is a free, online social network offering connectivity to both public and private groups who desire to share resources, information, data, forums, videos, etc.

• Ning.com was launched in 2005 by Marc Andreessen (of Netscape) and Gina Bianchini

• “Ning” means peace in Chinese

• For more information, visit: www.ning.com

What is Eat the Book?• Eat the Book is a modular Bible study series

three colleagues and I developed in 2008

• Eat the Book is part of the Adult Discipleship program of Union Church of Manila, an international, interdenominational church of more than 2000 attendees

• Eat the Book also in partners with the Center for Continuing Studies of Asian Theological Seminary

• Access my ning @ http://eatthebook.ning.com/

Discerning my ning needs

from: http://blogs.forrester.com/groundswell/2007/12/the-post-method.html

The People of Eat the Book

P = Peopleassess your customers’ social activities

• UCM members or visitors• Weekly “diners” of more than 1 module• Participants - ages 16-85 years old

• Most have internet access and experience• Desire to continue weekly discussions

and access materials, videos, etc.

The Objectives of Eat the Book

O = Objectives decide what you want to accomplish

• Connectivity beyond Sunday “meals”• A venue for forums and discussions

• Shared resources – downloads, photos, videos, etc.• Updated information, schedules, etc.

• Portal to UCM website

The Strategy of Eat the Book

S = Strategyplan for changing relationships with customers

• Work with Chefs to set goals and guidelines• Invite Eat the Book participants and orient to ning

• Preview other nings for ideas• Seek out 1-2 others interested in managing the ning

• Oversee ongoing changes, additions, etc.• Evaluate effectiveness after 1 year via questionnaire

The Technology of Eat the Book

T = Technologydecide which social technologies to use

• The ning proves accessible and manageable• Determine going public or private

• Decide on various functions of the ning• Create new pages for new materials

• Stay current with new additions to ning technology

A ning – as easy as 1-2-3

• 1. visit www.ning.com• 2. sign up for a free ning account• 3. follow the steps to make your own ning• 4. visit other nings for ideas• 5. invite your participants• 6. manage any changes

a ministry of Union Church of Manila

www.unionchurch.phwww.eatthebook.ning.com