Welcome to the Houston Education 2.0 social network! If you are new to this network and/or new to Ning, here are some helpful tips to help you get started with your networking and learning.

What should I do first?

1. Create a profile. Go to "My Page" and edit any of the features on the page to let other members know more about you and your interests.

2. Introduce yourself. Go to the "Forum" and find the message thread titled "Introductions". Use the submission box to introduce yourself to the network and tell us some of your interests or questions.

3. Look for other members who share similar interests. Click on "Members" and use the search function to search for keywords, schools, subject areas to find educators who share your interests. You can request to be friends/colleagues with these educators through their profile pages.

4. Engage in discussions. You can post questions to the Forum, post "hello" messages on other members profiles, write blog entries on your own profiles, create special interest groups, and upload photos or videos to promote discussion or to share ideas.

What can I do here?

-- Ask questions & learn new strategies/new tools
-- Form special-interest groups
-- Network with other local educators
-- Stay up-to-date with upcoming events and workshops
-- Post to your own blog on your profile page
-- Share tips and strategies for the classroom
-- Share videos of best practices or to highlight student work
-- Build your own Personal Learning Network