I was asked some questions about Edmodo, a site used by over 35 million teachers and students connecting online classrooms, and here were my answers!
How do you use Edmodo as a teacher? First of all, there are multiple ways a teacher can use Edmodo. How I use it, is by posting my lesson plans, that I make on PlanBook.com, on my class Edmodo page. I do this weekly, so that students in my BYOD 1:1 iPad 4-5 Combo class, can see what the classwork and homework is for the week. Students can click on the instructional movie links that are included in the lesson plans. Parents can see these plans also, as there is a code for parents to access their student page.
Our class Edmodo page is also a place where students can post questions to each other, for all in our class to see, and communicate about school (although on Edmodo they can't directly message each other, which I think is an advantage, because the point is to communicate as a class.)The page is closed, and only accessible by our class members and parents.
There is a library feature in Edmodo, where I store all lesson plans, links, PDFs. Students can save lesson plans too, in their Edmodo backpacks.
I noticed that Edmodo has compatibility with other apps, so if writing is done in Notability, it can be posted directly on Edmodo, for example.
What aspect do you like most about Edmodo? I like that it helps me to keep my lesson plans organized, helps students see and use that organizational tool, and is easy to use. Having a closed page just for our class, brings us together in a different way, than just in class. Students work together to problem solve and help with each other's questions they might have when they are at home. I like that students have learned, in a safe place, how to make relevant posts, and thus learn about responsibilities online and work toward becoming responsible digital citizens.
What other features does Edmodo have that you don't use now? There is a planner, a poll maker, quiz feature, google drive accessible, and apps through Edmodo. These I'd like to explore more.
Can't wait for Edmodocon 2014 on August 6!
