James Matamoros

Today we will explore the essential aspects of the educational networking site Edmodo, utilizing the notes, groups, and assignment features to plan a lesson that integrates Edmodo with state standards and objectives.

Edmodo – The Educational Facebook Wiki vs. Edmodo Site Login and Account Creation BCPS Policy Account Types

◦ Teacher Groups

◦ Parent ◦ Student

Notes Assignments Your Assignment Conclusion

There’s no question that Facebook has become the most popular networking site on the internet. Why do you think that is the case?

Let’s see if any of those reasons/ features are present in Edmodo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHtwgZEHzNs

Features Wiki Edmodo

Social Networking Yes Yes

Messaging No Yes

Profiles No Yes

Assignments Yes, but not directly Yes

Polls Possibly, not a site feature

Yes

Parent Accounts Yes Yes, easier settings

File Uploading Yes Yes

File Sharing Yes Yes

Privacy Settings Yes, by page Yes, automatic

Badges No Yes

Ease of use … …

http://bcps.edmodo.com

Introduction

Baltimore County Public Schools recognizes that telecommunications and other new technologies change the ways that information may be accessed, communicated, and transferred by members of society. Technological changes will have a direct impact on instruction and student learning. Using online tools in teaching and learning allow teachers, students, administrators, central office staff, and the school community to work together with a common purpose in an online collaborative environment. Online collaborative tools allow for learning at all times and in all places; in addition, they allow multiple users to be active contributors to discussions, to be active problem solvers, to share information, and to create products.

Benefits include but are not limited to: An environment designed to complement traditional instruction that promotes a student-

centered approach to learning, encourages collaborative problem solving, and improves student achievement.

Communication tools that enhance collaboration through discussion, shared documents, and shared tools.

Online access to shared resources for curriculum and professional development available from home or work.

The most successful collaborative online tools are those in which: The goals, purposes, and expectations are understood by all. The administrator of the collaborative online tool understands and is dedicated to ensuring

success.

Level I: District-Level Administrators The Department of Technology, the Office of Library Information Services, and

the Office of Instructional Technology will provide leadership and supervision to schools and offices for the use of online collaborative tools by:

Following BCPS procedures for reviewing, selecting, and purchasing instructional materials as set forth in Baltimore County Public Schools Policy and Rule 6002.

Coordinating and assisting school and office-based staff in understanding the purpose and use of the tool.

Ensuring that school and office-based staff have received training in the use of the online collaborative tools through an identified process.

Providing on-going support to administrators and office heads. Responding promptly to concerns and questions expressed by stakeholders. Providing routine oversight of the use of the program and feedback to the

Curriculum & Instruction Technology and Learning Steering Committee. Monitoring the use of security features and level of access. Communicating problems and collaborating on solutions with the Department

of Technology.

Level II: School or Office Director (other than the overall district administrators)

The principal or office head is responsible for overseeing the implementation of all collaborative online tools. He/she will:

Ensure the compliance with the Baltimore County Public Schools Telecommunications Policies and Rules including but not limited to: Policy and Rule 6202, Policy and Rule

4104, Policy and Rule 5580, and Policy and Rule 5590.

Determine the most appropriate collaborative online tools to achieve the goals identified in the School Improvement Plan and/or Office Action Plans.

Ensure that security features within the tool are enabled to protect student and teacher privacy.

Level III: The School or Office Manager (creator/owner of the collaborative tool) designee of principal or office head)

The Administrator is responsible for designing, organizing, and implementing the online environment tool. He/she must be highly-engaged and visible to all users of the collaborative online environment. Each Administrator under the supervision of the School or Office Head will will:

Ensure compliance with the Baltimore County Public Schools Telecommunications Policies and Rules including but not limited to: Policy and Rule 6202, Policy and Rule 4104, Policy and Rule 5580, and Policy and Rule 5590.

Ensure that participants receive direct instruction on the ethical and responsible use of technology and respect for intellectual property as identified in the Baltimore County Public Schools Copyright and Intellectual Property Rule 1110.1.

Design and/or organize the collaborative tool. Provide training and support for participants in the use of the collaborative tool

tools. Ensure that security features within the tool are enabled to protect student and

teacher privacy. Monitor and respond in a timely manner to the implementation of this tool.

Level IV: Participant Employees and students are expected to maintain a high

level of involvement under the direction of the administrator and utilize the tool for the designated purpose(s) only. Participants are expected to:

Comply with the Baltimore County Public Schools Telecommunications Policies and Rules including but not limited to: Policy and Rule 6202, Policy and Rule 4104, Policy and Rule 5580, and Policy and Rule 5590.

Regularly interact in discussion topics.

Introduce new ideas and resources that can be shared with all members of the community.

Utilize tools and resources to enhance academic or professional growth.

As the teacher, you are the one who dictates the way your Edmodo is used

You must monitor student input Teachers can remove or edit student posts Unlike parents or students, teachers can

directly message other teachers, parents, or students

Teachers can give assignments, ask polls, and create different groups based on the content they teach.

•Groups are an essential part of Edmodo. Every time you communicate or assign work, you must specify what group it pertains to.•Students can belong to multiple groups•Depending what grade and subject is taught, a teacher may have one group in all or one group for each class that they teach.

•You create a group by clicking on the “Create” in the right toolbar under groups

Watch as a group is created and then join the group.

On the main login page, after students click on “Join”, they will be prompted with the box below.

One parent account can be generated for every student account

For teachers just getting started with Edmodo, wait until you are comfortable with the features and using Edmodo with your students before you invite parents

Parents can see their students grades, posts, and communicate with the teacher

Similar to “posting” on Facebook Teachers can post notes to groups or

individuals (other teachers, students, and parents)

Students can post notes to a teacher or to an entire group◦ Students can NOT “message” their friends

Let’s practice replying to a note

One of the greatest features of Edmodo is “assignments”

An instruction can give an assignment to a particular group◦ Words, Attachments, or a Link

Students will receive a notification that an assignment is due

Let’s practice completing an assignment……

Please complete the assignment that is given to you on Edmodo and submit it electronically.

Play to students strengths – technology

Communication and Collaboration

With great power, comes great responsibility

Be creative and have fun!