Recently, I posted a series of questions on Twitter that asked for ideas and examples of effective use of Facebook as a classroom or instructional tool. I received only one example, and that was from a teacher who uses Facebook as a classroom communication tool. What was even more surprising, were the Tweets that suggested that Facebook be kept as far away from the classroom as possible. Most posters suggested that there were much safer and better alternatives to Facebook. One of those posters reminded me of Edmodo.
I actually experimented a bit with Edmodo back in the summer when I set up my account. It’s interface looks easy enough, and it has some features that make it much more suited for classroom use than Facebook, or even Twitter. This site is designed for educational interaction. It has a public timeline for whole class or group postings and the ability to direct message within groups. Teachers can post assignments, announcements, and reminders to students as well. It even has a calendar feature as well.
Here’s a collections of other blog posts, links, and how-to videos that provide all the “How-tos” for this free classroom web tool.
15 Brilliant Ways to Use Edmodo in Your Classroom
Using Edmodo in the Classroom: 5 Days Later
Using Edmodo in the Classroom (A Presentation)
Blog Post Commenting on Edmodo’s Features
Edmodo: Microblogging Solution for the Classroom
Social Networking Power with Edmodo in the Classroom
Using Edmodo in Your Classroom: Provide an Online Learning Experience for Students
Edmodo Is a Twitter for Education
Edmodo-A Free Web 2.0 Classroom Management Tool
Learning Telecollaboratively: Edmodo-The Free Communication Platform for Education
List of Resources for Using Edmodo in the Classroom
Learn It in 5: How-to Video on Edmodo
YouTube Video: Edmodo, Microblogging in the Classroom
New Features in Edmodo YouTube Video
Edmodo Instructions for Teachers Part 1 YouTube Video
Edmodo Instructions for Teachers Part 2 YouTube Video
Edmodo Instructions for Teachers Part 3 YouTube Video
Edmodo Instructions for Teachers Part 4 YouTube Video
Presentation: Using Edmodo in Your Classroom
While all of these resources focus on the classroom, I can’t help but wonder whether it is possible for administrators to use this tool for professional learning and discussions. There must be more resources and ideas for using Edmodo. Please feel free to share.
hey john,
ReplyDeletei've dabbled with edmodo over the last year, but hadn't introduced it to my classes because of the lack of reliable internet/wireless connections at west. however, after attending a teacher academy workshop several weeks ago, i decided that there would never be a "perfect" time to try it (meaning all my students have internet connections/home computers--or that things would ever work at school!).
so, i had three classes sign up (about 95 students), and the impact was immediate. they LOVE it! if i don't post something on the site in a few days, i get student questions about "what can i do on edmodo?" great, huh?
i just need to be more consistant with it, but with a new semester starting in a few weeks, and some practice under my belt, i think it can work.