Blogging has many pros to being used in the classroom. However, after attending a recent training for a new technology tool, I realized that there could be an even more engaging and safer tool to use with my students. The technology resource teacher (TRT) who was running the training discussed how even though some of the sites we use with students say that they are private, they may not truly be, for example kidblog.org which is a site I often use with my students. However, a great site that is private and very engaging is Edmodo!
During the training I kept thinking to myself, sure this site is great but really is it that different from blogging? I realized after exploring all aspects of it, that it really is. I was at first very concerned that I did not approve each students posting before it was put on the site for the entire class to see. However, as our TRT pointed out, it is better for students to learn the lesson now that what they post on the internet is out there for all to see, rather than them learning the lesson later in life and possibly losing their job due to something they posted online. With that said, when I use Edmodo next week with my students they will be signing a contract outlining the expectations for posting.
So what is Edmodo? It is a site, similar to Facebook for schools. On this site students can post comments and teachers can post assignments, including worksheets or readings. Using this site, a teacher could go paperless. It also has a feature where parents can log on and only see their child’s work and where the parents may find additional information about the class. I am very excited to try and use this with my students!
