edmodo

Edmodo is a safe and easy social networking site for teachers, parents and students. Edmodo is designed very similarly to Facebook (I overheard an 8th grade conversation and the one kid said, "I feel like we are the cool kids using Facebook at school." The other kid said, "I feel like we should be getting in trouble for this" haha).  It looks the same as Facebook, has many of the same features and works almost identical to Facebook (Another 8th grader wanted to know if Facebook could sue edmodo. I told him I wasn't sure but maybe he could research it and get back to me). It is a secure place to make connections, collaborate and share content. Teachers can also post grades, assignments and quizzes. Teachers can also create polls and post topics for discussion among the students. There is an app store within edmodo that has lots of popular applications (some free others pretty pricey). By easily creating a edmodo group you are given an access code which allows edmodo users to join your group. The website is great and there is even an edmodo app for iPad that I really like.  

It is a great way to connect with other educators and education companies which seems to be the biggest benefit for me right now! I am "following" several communities and groups as part of my PLN. FETC, the conference I am presenting at in January has a several groups (FETC, FETC for presenters and each workshop and session will have a group). Each edmodo presenter page will have the resources used for their presentation, freebies, etc.! I am in the process of getting our group page ready for SCANAPALOOZA! 

Edmodo implementation with students has been disappointing for me since I do not have my own class that I see on a regular basis. It is really hard for me to hold kids accountable or create projects, etc.. When I started the epal project I created an edmodo group for all of the kids to join (3- 8th grade classes at our school as well as our epals in China, Ukraine, Polland, Spain and Germany). I had big ideas but the cooperating teacher isn't really following through so it has become more like Facebook and I am a little frustrated with how it has turned out. I think it has amazing potential but as a technology teacher there is only so much I can do with it. I know the 8th grade civics teacher is using it and it has increased engagement and discussion. Below you can see an example of a poll with discussion (obviously not many people logging in over winter break). 

I would love to hear how you are using edmodo and any ideas you have for implementing with students! Unfortunately since it is so secure it is harder to check out what others are doing!