I think Edmodo is a really great tool. The social networking is such an important part of our student's lives. To give learning a social networking feel would help motivate and engage students. I believe that this tool would be most beneficial with middle and high school aged kids. These age levels are more familiar with the social networking sites and could probably navigate independently more so then elementary aged students. Although, many of may third graders are very aware of social networking sites and how they are used.
A great way that Edmodo could be used is to have the class read a novel together. Every night the students could read a chapter and post on Edmodo their thought, feeling, and questions about the chapter. They could also comment or answer each others posts. This would then provide myself with feedback on how the students are perceiving the novel. It would aide in my planning for the next day and provide me with a direction to lead the discussion in. This would also create a sort of book club.
Another neat way to use Edmodo would be having students post a writing assignment on a particular topic. They could then help each other edit and revise their writing before a final piece is written. I find that many students dislike and lack the ability to edit and revise their work. Edmodo could help make this process more interesting.
This tool could be used as a nightly homework assignment. I would post a paragraph, poem, or quote relating to the content taught that day and the students would comment on it. Students could also answer questions I have provided. Another great way to use this tool is have parents access it to see student work and progress in the class. Parents could have the opportunity to ask me questions or receive clarification on assignments.
I am exited to try and use Edmodo in my classroom. I am going to allow my students time in the computer lab to become familiar with it and attempt to do some of the above stated ideas. My students are young, therefore I am interested to see how they will navigate and respond to this tool.
I like the idea of having the students read a novel and post responses on the blog at night. It would function as a kind of book club that would be a great hoemwork component to ELA classrooms. Good ideas.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the idea of letting students share their writing and have students edit each others work. Many students don't proof read their work or barely spend time editing, so this will make it a lot better for many students. It will also allow students to improve their writing skills by learning from other students.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas, Amy. You are such a creative teacher! Please share with us after you try all these wonderful ideas with your students. Looking forward to it. :D
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