BP2_Edmodo

I was immediately intrigued by this new Web 2.0 tools due to the introduction video I watched (posted above). The mention of "Social Osmosis" particularly peaked my interests. It is true that we have information coming at us from all angles in this modern age in all shapes and forms. From micro-blogging such as Twitter, to long form blogging such as this. From sound bites on the nightly news to full length documentaries and everything in between. We have no lack of information but connecting simple information to true knowledge is the perennial task of all educators. Edmodo is a tool that imitates the Facebook platform but gears it's content towards use in and outside of the classroom. It was very simple to sign up for an account and once in the platform I was triggered to complete a few simple tasks in creating my virtual space within Edmodo.

This program seems geared towards K-12 education and it may be a great entry into the social space for younger students who looks up to their big brothers and sisters that are constantly using Facebook. It is a safe space and there was not any evidence of advertising innappropriate or otherwise. Once I created my classroom I was given a code to share with my students, when the student enters the code he or she is "enrolled" in my class. From there I can easily post an update like "Don't forget lecture is at 3:00PM tomorrow" or "Does anyone have any questions about today's assignment?" By using a platform that many students are already comfortable with we can engage them on their level. The comfortability factor may motivate some students who are normally shy to speak up and have their (virtual) voice heard. As an instructor in higher education I believe my students have the maturity to engage on adult geared platforms like Twitter and Facebook but this would be excellent for the younger student. While it may be some time before these elements are successfully integrated with online platforms in the meantime services like this can serve as powerful supplements. Any opportunity to share relative information with the speed, efficiency and richness that our students are used to in their personal lives will provide a deeper connection to the material we are offering. Presenting those traits through a platform that they are already familiar with is an easy choice.

Link: Edmodo.com
Recommended for: Instructors looking for an education-based alternative to facebook, introducing younger students to social platforms, sharing assignments/media/deadlines with students
Bonus: I really enjoyed this video featuring student responses to a year using Edmodo.