Edmodo

Edmodo Homepage

Edmodo is a safe networking tool for students and teachers. It has so many was in which it can be used.

1. Classroom teacher to students - The teacher sets up a group for classes and posts discussions, quizzes, polls, assignments, videos, links... The list goes on. Edmodo allows students to turn in documents and earn points. Teachers can also award predetermined or personalized badges. The network is safe since only people with the group code can access the class network. Parents also have a code that allows them to see only their children's work within Edmodo.

2. Professional Development - Edmodo can be used by the Professional Development Contact at a school for assembling the evidence that teachers need to turn in for in-service points. Agendas, handouts, links, and power point presentations from the workshops can be stored in the library for teachers to access at will. A huge benefit is that teachers can take a picture of the evidence on a cell phone and directly turn it in, much easier than finding the time to scan documents. They can also take pictures of the class for evidence. Huge time saver. Edmodo tracks PD points like the regular classroom mentioned in (1), but has some downfalls. The PDC cannot award badges; teachers only get badges that are automatically assigned by the system. Also, teachers cannot see their points earned in a table form. They have to click on each assignment, although the PDC can download a master table of all participants.

3. Back Channel Discussions - When you are presenting a workshop or break out session, Edmodo engages the audience far beyond a "show of hands." Live polls gets people engaged. Participants can share their ideas and documents while the workshop is being held, interacting with each other as well as listening to the presenter. Edmodo can also be used for group work.

4. Communities - Many Edmodo communities are very active for sharing ideas and getting help with questions. Teachers from around the world participate.

5. Connect to other teachers - You can build a social network of teachers. You can also request to be added to others' professional groups.