Colleagues,
Why are we doing this, Darcy?
Edmodo is my favourite tool for a 1:1 classroom; confirmed when I was teaching in Denmark last year. I believe Edmodo is useful for our students and staff for a number of reasons of which I list but a few (also, here’s another view):
1. It is a really easy to learn, effective way to share ideas, links and files quickly in a classroom situation. You can poll students and they can even submit video files to you. The students work it out in about 5 seconds.
2. Students like the interface (many have said to me it is similar to Facebook) and engage in a wide-range of different styles of lesson using the tool.
3. The teacher creates the class space, only people with the code can join. The code can be changed and the teacher is able to manage their ‘online classroom’ effectively in the most appropriate way for that group.
4. It is a practical way to teach students about good digital citizenship. You can insist upon a code of conduct that focuses on everything from good spelling and punctuation to netiquette.
5. One of the foci for our school this year is student attendance, particularly ensuring that no-one misses learning while away. Edmodo is a great way to ensure the absent student can participate, after the lesson.
6. You can communicate with the whole class, make small groups or send individual direct message DMs. Students cannot DM other students with this tool. It is a great way to extend students and allow them freedom to develop their own ideas and interests while you are busy with other students.
7. A simple game I play with students where they have to produce a short, perfect piece of writing, edited by their peers, is one of the best writing strategies I know.
8. There are many DEC and educators from around the world using Edmodo. They are very collaborative and willing to share. Classes can communicate online if you share the code.
9. It is free and has an iPhone app. It is not blocked by the filter.
10. Why do you think it is a great tool?
It is important to take this opportunity to share and comment at Edmodo during the session to reflect on how the tool(s) may be used with students.
How many of these 100 online tools have you used? What works for you and why? What would you like to try?
OK Darcy, how do we know this is a legitimate, copyright safe idea/site for teachers in NSW schools?
How can you practically teach students about copyright? How will they use Creative Commons and Flickr? Please post a comment about how this relates contextually to your subject and students at Edmodo.
How could you construct fun lessons, perhaps using these resources, and/or using Edmodo, that improve spelling?
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benpaddlejones @Darcy1968 create a blog as a design journal/portfolio each post is what they did/learnt each lesson with photos/videos evidence 15/01/12 11:20 AM |
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benpaddlejones @Darcy1968 trick is to allocate 5min end of each lesson even if you just dot point notes & upload photo/video from mobile 15/01/12 11:21 AM |
What option(s) from the above list did you take? How will students benefit? I look forward to your comments here and, more importantly, at Edmodo.
Why not establish your own class spaces at Edmodo? Here are my tagged resources and some other ideas on how Edmodo is used in your subject area.
Carla
Darcy,
I’m feeling quite inspired after reading this blog post. What I like best is you’ve selected some great resources that any teacher can dip their toes into. I haven’t used Edmodo to its full potential yet, but that’s this year’s project. I previously used Moodle and found it terrific, and I love the potential of learning management systems. Not only can their effective use engage students more fully, but I believe they are great for encouraging student responsibility and participation.
As an English teacher who taught primary literacy last year, I loved how the web and IWB resources can actually make spelling and language work fun for students. There are some wonderful interactive activities available online to foster language skills, as you have noted.
Thank you also for highlighting the value of social media to teachers. I too have found Twitter and specific Facebook groups invaluable for motivating, enthusing and allowing me to share resources and ideas with a world of educators. To be able to collaborate globally – a truly cool thing!
Cheers,
Carla