Edmodo is a “Facebook like” platform which allows teachers to create class pages where they are able to interact with students, post assignments, make quizzes and conduct polls. Student work is able to be marked and assessment goes back to the students. One of the best features is that it is safe and teachers are able to moderate student comments and posts. If you wish to sign up for Edmodo click here and go to sign up. Once you have signed up, put in the school code pep7nv to join the school network.
This week we have a couple of guest Bloggers who are going to share with us their experiences using Edmodo in the classroom. Thanks very much to Tom and Nick.
” I have been using Edmodo in my class now for two terms. I first implemented educational networking site after hearing about the concept from members of another school. Being referred to as ‘Facebook for the class’, it really has allowed the students to be able to connect with one another outside of school, generally around ideas or projects from school, but also socially as well at times. I often post polls on our class page for activities the students would most like to work towards which really fuels the students engagement as they can vote. I also use Edmodo for a number of literacy groups within the class (book clubs), with homework challenges (check out 100wc.net), as well as a way of submitting all subject assignments. Student often complain to me about how much internet Xen uses or how slow it makes their computers, so with Edmodo, students just need to be connected to the internet and they can easily access and save their work during the week.
It has honestly made marking easier as it is all done there and then once the students have submitted their work and I have read over it, allowing the students to instantly access feedback for their work. Edmodo is not without its flaws though. The Edmodo iPhone app is dated and slow, very much unlike the website. I currently have 73 notifications on the app which I am aware of but unfortunately haven’t cannot easily clear.
But if this is the only major flaw of Edmodo, I am sold! The simplicity, the safety, and the fun factor for the kids are all big thumbs up for me.”
“Edmodo has been a great use for not only myself but for also the students learning. In my class we use Edmodo for a range of purposes, from socialising to learning. For students to gain an interest in Edmodo I explained how they will be able to keep in touch with one another whenever they liked. They loved the idea of them being able to have their own social network, with an understanding that I monitor the website heavily. The students can only access the group which I have placed them in the ‘6NP ALLSTARS’, with parents having the opportunity to come and view the page as well. I allow students to ask one another questions and provide scenarios, so they can share their creative ideas with one another. A perfect example was “If I was stuck on an island and could only have three items I would have….” Or “If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?”. As a class we have had a large focus on elaborating our ideas and these questions are great way for students to work on their reasoning. I upload tasks which they can download of the class page and then hand up the task electronically. I am able to mark the students work and provide feedback on the website and the students will receive their marks electronically, without being able to see what any of their peers received. I also ask poll questions which generate a fair bit of classroom discussion, and also use polls to discuss what is happening globally. I have the students also placed in their Maths groups and provide learning experiences that cater for their needs. I use it myself for my own professional development, seeking support developing learning sequences and obtaining resources. I highly recommend Edmodo for Student, Teacher and Parental learning it is an excellent online network.”