A friend of mine introduced the
website, Edmodo, to me last week and since then I have been completely
intrigued by the power this website could have in a classroom. Think Facebook but for your class. This website has the capabilities to reach
outside the 8:30-3:00 timeframe, more specifically your 40 minute class, to
encourage learning at all times. It also
allows you to connect with your students to address their confusion, questions,
and ideas but in a public forum that email doesn’t allow. The website allows you to post reminders,
questions, surveys, and students can even submit assignments.
I will, without
a doubt, incorporate this program in my classroom, as I truly believe it
bridges the gap often felt between student and teacher. It creates a forum that students can be
comfortable with approaching a teacher and get the help that they need. I think this website trumps others like
Blackboard because it offers a public and interactive web space for student to
use. I think the students will
immediately identify with the website because of the similar features with
Facebook.
My only
concern would be if the students would take advantage of the resource. Email has been an option to reach teachers
for years and still, students are hesitant in reaching out. I wonder if the ease of these website will
invite students in. My hope would be
that the website could serve as a learning environment outside of the classroom
where students can track their understanding, ask questions, or work with their
classmates.
I was also introduced to Edmodo quite recently when I was instructed to create an account for one of my classes here at MSU. I immediately noticed the similarities to Facebook, as well as observed how easy communication with my professor and fellow classmates became. I, too, believe I will incorporate this program into my future classroom, as I also feel that it will be beneficial to not only the students but myself as well. I also hope that due to its similarities to Facebook, it will make students feel more comfortable adapting to this academic technology.Perhaps that sense of familiarity will entice them to become more interested in the assigned lessons.
ReplyDeleteKatie,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you wrote about Edmodo! I really enjoyed having this conversation with you in Methods because EdModo really changes learning. I like that students have constant access to the their profiles. I think it is very important for the instructor to eastabilsih rules so students are posting appropiate content on their profiles. I think Edmodo would change the way literature inside the classroom significantly. I cannot wait to use it for my lessons in the fall when I teach The Odyssey to my students. Edmodo will serve as a great communication tool inside the classroom that is really outside school hours. Great post!