Ning is a portal where you can create a more extensive social network complete with forums and spaces for the uploading of video, and photos. Within a Ning members can develop their own profile and then choose to create groups that can focus on specific tasks or issues. Note there are numerous examples of educational Nings but because of the need to restrict access to their content most are Private and accessible only to members of the Ning. If you are interested in the power of Nings then the Classroom 2.0 Ning and Ning in Education are two other Nings of note. Another fascinating Ning because it deals with an exploration of virtual worlds is Dean Groom's Second Classroom Ning. Here is a Ning Tutorial.