BP4_2010051_Web2.0Tools

I found http://www.edmodo.com/ and I am in love with Edmodo. It's a social networking site created for K-12 educational purposes. It works similarly to FaceBook, which is arguably the most popular social networking site around. My school district does not allow access to FaceBook, or any other social networking/blogging sites that the students are so attached to. According to Black (2010), students “are far more comfortable using a keyboard than writing in a notebook and happier reading from a computer screen than from a paper they can hold.” With this in mind, I was determined to find something I could use. I found it while looking for web 2.0 tools to use that are accessible from my school and this seemed perfect for teenagers. I decided, since we were in the midst of our King Arthur unit, to tie it in. Since Edmodo allows only private access by way of a randomly assigned ‘group code’ and also enables the teacher to make more than one group to correspond with class periods, it appeared to be perfect. First each of the students randomly chose a character from the Arthurian legend, whether it was an actual character or a commoner or a knight. Their first assignment was to upload a picture (which could not be the same as anyone else’s picture in their class and must be historically appropriate) and write a short bio which included name, age and something interesting about the character. Each time they logged in to Edmodo, they must remain ‘in character.’ I know this concept is not necessarily new, but the fact that I could access it from our district computers certainly was. After this assignment, I was able to show the students on the projector how well they were doing, rather than hoping they did so at home. Demonstrating direct control and how it is used was vital for me. I explained that each post must be ‘approved’ by me first before it is displayed.

Next, they chose friends. “Constant connection with friends and family at any time and from any place is of vital importance to them.” (Black) They each had to read the other’s bios and pick three with whom they would most likely become friends. It fit with this connection trend they have as well as being active in the process. Bell (1997) states it simply, “Students should be not merely informed but awakened, not passive spectators but active participants.” Engaging in an active characterization study also gave them a lesson in point of view and cause and effect, all in one, without them knowing!

My last assignment, up until now, was to choose music. Students are very attached to their music, so it seemed natural that their characters were as well. They had to pick a song that their character would most likely have as a ‘favorite’ and quote lyrics and explain why. This was the assignment that really “blew me away.” Sadik (2008) includes “Meaningful technology integration is defined as curricula utilizing authentic tasks that intentionally and actively help learners to construct their own meanings from thinking about experiences and allows for more interdisciplinary project-based instruction (Jonassen et. El, 1999).” Edmodo has graciously allowed me to do all that and more. You can post assignments, upload music, grade, etc.

References

Bell, R. (1997). Shakespeare in cyberspace. Liberal Education, 83(3), 34. Retrieved May 4, 2010 from Education Research Complete database.

Black, A. (2010). Gen Y: Who They Are and How They Learn. Educational Horizons, 88(2), 92-101. Retrieved May 6, 2010 from ERIC database.

Sadik, A. (2008). Digital storytelling: a meaningful technology-integrated approach for engaged student learning.Educational Technology Research & Development, 56(4), 487-506. doi: 10.1007/s11423-008- 9091-8.