Friday, October 21, 2016

Week 9 - Blog 11: Edmodo

The following the web link to request access to my group: https://edmo.do/j/6q9mec
The following is my Edmodo Group Code: k3w2b6
 
Week 9 - Edmodo Reflection

 
When I first heard of the name Edmodo, my initial reaction of confusion because I wasn’t familiar with the term. This was the first I’d ever heard of such a great educational application that is used worldwide by millions of people. I have always been a huge advocate for technology in the classroom so I feel very fortunate that I have the opportunity to try all of the great tools that that I am learning in this class, specially Edmodo. Edmodo allows students to use the free only website or download the app to their phones, tablets, and other devices and use the learning platform, with is completely private. You can do everything from posting assignments, creating polls for student responses, embedding video clips, create learning groups, post a quiz for students to take, and create a calendar of events or assignments and due dates. Students are able to submit assignments for their teachers to view and grade. Teachers can grade the assignments directly in Edmodo to provide instant feedback. Parents can view their children’s assignments and grades. Teachers can communicate with parents thru Edmodo as well.

Once students set up a free account with Edmodo.com, they would watch the demo video to learn how to navigate through Edmodo, and that would count as their first assignment. One of the concepts that I would like to start with is Computer systems familiarization. Although students are very familiar with the use of computer systems, they are not familiar with the proper terminology and the functionality of every system that is available to them. I would have several instructional videos and relatable websites, which would be available by clicking the “assignment” button in Edmodo, I can attach the video, enter instructions and have them complete the tasks. Khanacademy.org is a library of over 4,200 videos on everything from math to technology. Students watch the video for homework making necessary notes and questions for the next class. If further clarification is needed, they can watch the video again and again and solicit the help of family or tutors.

Another way that Edmodo would be utilized in the classroom is by testing for knowledge. Once the block of instruction is complete and student are able to define and recognize the proper terminology and the functionality of the computer systems, I would introduce a new concept and basic questions for understanding. I would test for knowledge and assess their learning with higher order thinking questions, real world scenarios which includes word problems to deepen understanding. If a student is absent from the instruction, he/she would have the freedom to log into Edmodo from any computer and he catch-up in to the rest of the class.

Lastly, Edmodo can be a great way to teach students proper digital netiquette by having the open communication between the teacher and students with the messaging capabilities. Sometimes students might have important questions or issue, so students are able to send a message to the teacher knowing that they will receive a message immediately of their post. By receiving a response soon thereafter, it would solve delays, deadlines, and parental questions and as well as eliminate disruptions in the classroom.

I hope that all of you can see the endless possibilities of Edmodo in your classroom, as I have learned during this block of instruction. Edmodo has many benefits in the classroom, such as saving time, which is something we all could use more of. It is a great tool that would get students motivated engaged and excited about learning. And a teacher that stays updated and relevant with technology would be able to relate with their students and the students would be more receptive to material that is being taught.

4 comments:

  1. Enrique,
    I enjoyed reading your post and think you hit on a key topic that has been looked over. That topic being netiquette! Although for some it may be common sense, however, one thing the military taught me was that common sense is not so common. So, having students practice their academic online vocabulary I think is a great use for edmodo.

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  2. Hi Enrique, I agree with you Edmodo allows students to use the free only website or download the app to their phones, tablets, and other devices and use the learning platform, with is completely private. Teachers can do everything from posting assignments, creating polls for student responses, embedding video clips, create learning groups, post a quiz for students to take, and create a calendar of events or assignments and due dates.

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  3. Hi Enrique:

    Yes I agree with you in your last idea. It is important to have a three-way open communication between teachers, students and parents. Sometimes we can have conversations with students through Edmodo that would be uncomfortable for students to initiate. Linked parent accounts create total transparency and trust regarding such conversations. Using Edmodo we can be connected in an excellent Educational chain not only students, teachers, and parents, but also with a large professional community of educators.

    Jorge Villarreal.

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  4. Hello Enrique,
    I do like the idea of posting videos that students can use to enhance their learning. Many times students focus better when watching a video than listening to a lesson. Edmodo has the capability to hold images and videos in different lessons. This is a great idea. Thank you for sharing.

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