E-Portfolio #2 - Edmodo

Today’s society is fast-paced and is very involved with social networks. Whether the class is conducted face-to-face or via distance communications, I believe that social networking might enhance student involvement, therefore increase student learning and comprehension of the class. In 2006, a study showed 55% of children between the ages of 12 and 17 using a social network (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright & Zvacek, 2012). Think of how social networking has expanded in the last 6 years and imagine the percentage now.

            As with any online communication, there is always the concern for protecting students and their privacy.  Edmodo allows for teachers to enhance the privacy protection for their students. It also allows for instant communication from multiple parties and allows the teacher to create somewhat private online classrooms. For example, a teacher can create classrooms for each class and send messages to an individual class or multiple classes. Calendars are also available along with notes, alerts, assignments, quizzes, and polls. A teacher can also upload documents and provide links in the library within the Edmodo network.

            Students can be awarded badges for things they do such as being a good citizen, asking good questions, working hard, perfect attendance, and more. Teachers can create their own unique badges for students.  I have created one titled Good Point. The description is “Sometimes in discussion, we rise to the top and mention a good point to the topic of discussion.”

            A teacher creates a profile and just like social networking, can upload profile pictures and write about themselves. They too can earn badges when they use different parts of Edmodo such as the library, connections, and others. They can state content areas, the current school in which they teach, and schools in which they have taught in the past. The site displays a Google map of the past teaching locations. Teachers can also have their own URL. Favorites are managed through the library. Teachers can also connect with one another and share ideas.

            Edmodo is engaging and has the ability to keep students from the worldwide social network but still be able to network with their peers. I have created this for my 8^th grade classes and am very eager to utilize it for all it provides. I am looking forward to enhancing my Edmodo account.

Please visit my Edmodo profile at: http://edmodo.com/etelles