Features

=**Iowa Online Community Features**=

We are piloting the online communities using a ning to see if it will allow the features, the security/control, and the aesthetical draw to bring educators in. This page gives an overview of the features and questions about the platform to be discussed.

**Features** The ning comes built in with the following features/abilities: • Each user gets a **home page** (a la Facebook) that is modifiable with different pods • **Photos/Videos/Music ** (or Podcasts) can be added, and have their own separate adjustable pod. They also can be added via phone. • Each user has a built-in **blog** that they can use • The ning has the ability to set up any number of **groups** • Each group can have ongoing **discussion forums** (there can also be discussion forums "ning-wide") • Users can create **events**, complete with date, time, location, and the ability for people to identify if they plan on going. Also, the event can link to a webpage or Google Map. There is no way to make events specific to a group. • Users can **chat** to other online users • **Notes** can be used, which are basically posted announcements • Other **widgets** can be embedded within pages • There is a pod that shows the **latest activity** a user or group has had.

**Costs** There are a few optional costs to the ning (which we would probably want) • Ad-free = $25/mo. • Point to your own web address (FQDN) = $5/mo. • Ning Support = $10/mo. • Remove promotion links = $25/mo. • Additional storage = $10/mo. per 10 GB of additional storage

• Some programming necessary • More options for groups (right now limited to 1 text field, 1 RSS, unlimited forums, and no events) • Identify best integration for Adobe Connect Pro and the Events module • Control "entrance experience" with a static home page • Modify CSS design • Determine Tab Arrangement (including nested sub-tags) • Determine privacy setup (both overall and for groups) • Identify administrators & group facilitators
 * Needs **

**Logistical Questions** • Does a group facilitator automatically receive administrator access? • How can we minimize the amount of content on certain screens (main) to not be overwhelming • What URL (FQDN) could we pick that 1) is a .org and 2) doesn't have a .com counterpart