Edmodo: Alternative Social Media Tool for Classrooms

Recently, I posted a series of questions on Twitter that asked for ideas and examples of effective use of Facebook as a classroom or instructional tool. I received only one example, and that was from a teacher who uses Facebook as a classroom communication tool. What was even more surprising, were the Tweets that suggested that Facebook be kept as far away from the classroom as possible. Most posters suggested that there were much safer and better alternatives to Facebook. One of those posters reminded me of Edmodo.

I actually experimented a bit with Edmodo back in the summer when I set up my account. It’s interface looks easy enough, and it has some features that make it much more suited for classroom use than Facebook, or even Twitter. This site is designed for educational interaction. It has a public timeline for whole class or group postings and the ability to direct message within groups. Teachers can post assignments, announcements, and reminders to students as well. It even has a calendar feature as well.

Here’s a collections of other blog posts, links, and how-to videos that provide all the “How-tos” for this free classroom web tool.

15 Brilliant Ways to Use Edmodo in Your Classroom

Using Edmodo in the Classroom: 5 Days Later

Using Edmodo in the Classroom (A Presentation)

Blog Post Commenting on Edmodo’s Features

Edmodo: Microblogging Solution for the Classroom

Social Networking Power with Edmodo in the Classroom

Using Edmodo in Your Classroom: Provide an Online Learning Experience for Students

Edmodo Is a Twitter for Education

Edmodo-A Free Web 2.0 Classroom Management Tool

Edmodo: Tutorial Video

Learning Telecollaboratively: Edmodo-The Free Communication Platform for Education

List of Resources for Using Edmodo in the Classroom

Learn It in 5: How-to Video on Edmodo

YouTube Video: Edmodo, Microblogging in the Classroom

New Features in Edmodo YouTube Video

Edmodo Instructions for Teachers Part 1 YouTube Video

Edmodo Instructions for Teachers Part 2 YouTube Video

Edmodo Instructions for Teachers Part 3 YouTube Video

Edmodo Instructions for Teachers Part 4 YouTube Video

Presentation: Using Edmodo in Your Classroom

While all of these resources focus on the classroom, I can’t help but wonder whether it is possible for administrators to use this tool for professional learning and discussions. There must be more resources and ideas for using Edmodo. Please feel free to share.