Or... How I Introduced Edmodo!
“Connecting and learning with other people
online, distinguishing good information from bad, creating and sharing
important works with the world: None of that (and a whole bunch of other stuff
I could mention) is on the test.”
Richardson, Will (2012-09-10). Why School?:
How Education Must Change When Learning and Information Are Everywhere (Kindle
Single) (Kindle Locations 174-176). TED Conferences. Kindle Edition.
I’m currently
reading “Why School?” and I’m completely over-using the high-lighting feature
on my Kindle! One of my favorite notes: “No
matter how often we dub our kids “digital natives,” the fact is they can still
use our help to do those things and more if they are to thrive in the abundance
of their times.” While I consistently try to learn and grow with my students, especially with integrating technology, this book has provided me with a clearer picture of how I visualize my teaching.
I’m leading the
Reading Olympics for fourth grade at my school.
I wanted to find a way to have the participants feel not only motivated,
but connected as we prepare for our event in May. To that end, I introduced Edmodo. At our weekly meeting, I told them that it
reminded me of Twitter and Facebook, and instantly these two words were all the
anticipatory set I needed. They were
attentive and eager to learn.
I told them that I love
Twitter and use it as a way to connect with other educators around the
world. Edmodo reminded me of it and I thought
it would be a great way for all of us to discuss the books they were reading. My typically rambunctious and energetic group
was mesmerized as I displayed Edmodo on the Smartboard. I set up a student account for myself so that
the displayed screen would replicate what they would see. I modeled how I picked my profile icon,
joined groups, and connected with our school district. I shared that we would learn together since
Edmodo was new to me as well.
Next, I showed them
my teacher account. They thought this
was particularly fascinating. It was as
if they were getting a peak into the teachers’ lunch room. Again, they were completely focused and
mesmerized. I quickly gave reminders
about appropriate posts. Basically, I reminded
them not to post anything they wouldn't shout in front of their parents or
teachers. I have found this is the
quickest and easiest reminder to provide.
By dinnertime that
night my notifications on my phone and laptop were out of control. All the students had signed up and were posting. At our next meeting, we talked about not just
saying hello or as they say, “sup,” but composing posts that focused on their
reading. I also congratulated them on
the ease at which they learned how to do more than what I introduced.
When we met yet
again, I told them I had an idea. I suggested
that we put images of the books we were reading next to our
posts. I said I wasn't sure how to do it
and I needed their help. Within seconds,
the group figured out how to navigate to Google images, copy/past using their
right click and paste the images. The
speed at which they worked together and listened to one another was
breathtakingly fast and efficient. Then,
since we were working on PCs, I asked about doing it on Macs. I wanted to make sure they were cognizant of
different operating systems. As I stood back and watched them, I was in awe of their almost innate collaboration skills.
One of my favorite
quotes from “Why School?” is, “Students
are encouraged to connect with others, and to collaborate and create with them
on a global scale. It’s not “do your own work,” so much as “do work with
others, and make it work that matters.”
I think we are off to a good start.