I have used Edmodo for the past several years in core classes, as well as in my Introduction to Computers class. In Computers, the students and I utilized Edmodo everyday. I would set up assignments, quizzes, and group work within the element. Initially I create an account for each of them. Students log on each day with a message from me. In Edmodo, the most recent message appears at the top of the page for them. Within that message would be guidelines on where they are first to proceed. These messages will include an objective, directions, rubric, and any other important information they will need for their assignment or project. At first, I encourage students to look around the site and become familiar with the platform. I am there to support them if they have questions along the way. One of my first tasks for them is to send me a message and then to reply to my message. Many of them are very uncomfortable at first with the online platform because they are used to communicating only face-to-face. Below is an example of a message my students would see when they first log in to Edmodo.
I responded to their online messages almost immediately - a message or reply was quicker than if I talked to each of them in person. I used a computer, as well as mobile devices. Students would log in at the beginning of class and often utilize the platform throughout their learning process that day or over several days of a project. They learned how to communicate with me, turn in assignments, and collaborate with group members - all online. Most students struggled at first, I believe mainly because they had never used an online platform for these tasks before. Once they got the hang of it, they knew where to look for directions, how to ask for guidance, and what they could share with others. Once they have submitted their assignment, I provide them with a message including what exactly they missed and what exactly they were successful in, using the rubric.
Edmodo is a wonderful platform for encouraging students in using higher order thinking skills. They are continuously being given opportunities to create a project based on information they learned in a previous lesson. For example, they will learn how to use Word for presenting information within a graph, online programs like LinoIt for interviewing each other about the best way to earn an A in math, then their school platform School Loop for gathering information. They will create a graph based on interviews and rote information they gathered to produce a graph with their findings. In a different example, students collaborate and evaluate each other's conclusions on given situations within the small group element within Edmodo.
Curriculum and standards for technology at the middle school level are pretty loose. However, with Common Core's arrival, students are expected to navigate, research, communicate, and present their findings using digital means. All of these objectives are supported through Edmodo.
Overall, our group's choices for web tools offer powerful and dynamic ways to support and lead to higher order thinking skills. Each of us chose a platform that supports creation. In Glogster and Prezi, students create and share a poster or presentation based on information they have researched and sythesized. Audioboo allows students to create a podcast using similar parameters. Each of these tools can be used with any subject...and can be intertwined with each other. As with any assignment, teachers should be clear with learning objectives and guidelines for how they will use the tool. With each of these tools, students will need online access, possible account setups, and time to work within the tools.
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