Pedagogy and Social Media

Facebook, Edmodo and Schoology

Overview

With the many concerns about the use of Facebook in schools (and out) by teachers, some 'school-safe' alternatives have been developed. We will look at two Facebook imitators that have been designed for classroom use - Edmodo and Schoology.

Facebook Issues

Lack of securityLearning too much about studentsStudents learning too much about teachersLegal responsibility Q Debate - 2010-12-27

Edmodo

Edmodo is a FB alternative that is teacher controlled.Safe, closed networkFreeOnline discussionsDigital 'Agenda' for students and parentsEasy to make groupsPolls, notes, assignments, calendars, etc all in one placeSelf marking quizzes

Edmodo

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Edmodo

Top -- Calendar, Grades LibraryPost: Note, Alert, Assignment, Quiz, Poll

Schoology

Schoology is a FB alternative that is teacher controlled.Safe, closed (school based) networkFreeOnline discussionsDigital 'Agenda' for students and parentsEasy to make groupsAttendance, polls, notes, assignments, calendars, etc all in one placeSelf marking quizzes

Schoology

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Schoology

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Comparison

Edmodo AdvantagesOrganized help sectionsAccessing grades anywhere on the siteReward badges to studentsBuilt-in calendarsStraight-forward and user-friendlyStep-by-step help for new usersStudents see groups and can connectAccess codes for parent trackingDirect parent-teacher communication

Comparison

Edmodo DisadvantagesFew features and resourcesStudents give their parents the access codesDoesn't seem professionalLimited features for student activitiesNo attendanceLimited options for creating quizzesDifficulty trying to connect with teachers within the school

Comparison

Schoology AdvantagesAttendance recordsEasier to delete accountsAbility to post comments/documents when providing feedbackTime limit optionsUpdatesTemplates for classesGoogle compatible: conference/edit with students and collaborative work

Comparison

Schoology AdvantagesDirect contact with teachersAlbum/galleries of picturesMore parts - a bigger learning systemBlogging/class discussionsEasier to add clubs and groupsStudents see multiple classes/groups/messages in one place from multiple teachersAbility to create multiple courses and folders

Comparison

Schoology DisadvantagesHelp section requires using a search boxGrades accessed only through home pageLearning styles and preferences not included when creating student profilesHaving to import CalendarsCodes for students are too longHard to navigate quiz and attendance pagesRequires too much time to learn the system, frustratingMore sophisticated and challenging than EdmodoCannot monitor student messaging

Conclusions?

There are good alternatives to FacebookStudents will use themTeachers are more in control and 'protected'Admin features seldom mesh well with school admin systems