using edmodo to enhance student-teacher relationships update
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The Impact of an Educational Social Network (Edmodo) on
The Learning CommunityToni A. Penwell (2011)
Student fascination with technology is an opportunity for teachers to utilize this type of written communication in a way that benefits literacy comprehension in the Language Arts classroom while allowing students to work in a style that connects them to the digital world.
(Penwell, 2011)
What educators have found ….. Educators must utilize the skills that students
possess and transform them into skills that students can apply in the school setting. (Sweeney, 2010)
Technology allows students to make connections between the social and academic world.(Lawrence, McNeal and Yildez, 2009)
This technology enriches the learning community because it provides students with one more opportunity to make connections to the world outside of the classroom. (Penwell, 2011)
What students thought …. One thing I enjoyed about Edmodo was it’s layout and
the atmosphere of it’s community.
I enjoy the fact that we have to freedom to post whatever we want to post at any time!!
I like working on the edmodo. i never new we had this in its kinda like facebook i in joy it a lot.
I really enjoyed edmodo because it’s kind of like a chat room. Basically because it’s really easy and you can share everything with everyone.
My class Level 3 class: 11 students All Emirati 4 ladies 7 men Varying ages between 20 and 40 Single and married with families 10 week English course All from the same company Writing teacher 9 hours a week 2 hours in computer lab
The Innovation …..
Weeks 1 -3: Edmodo used to practice class input session (paragraph structure, topic sentences etc.)
Weeks 4 -10: No more topic sentences please miss!
So …… FREE WRITING HOUR once a week!
Tell me something about yourself. E.g. Your family, your special interests, your friends, your dreams, what makes you happy, crazy, etc…
Add pictures, videos, links, music …
The ‘task’ …..
This is your time to tell me about you. You can write anything, something you're interested in; you have an opinion on, your country in the future. Things you do with your kids that you did or didn't do with your parents etc... You can upload pictures, video etc.
‘You sound like a relaxed person. How long do you spend in the gym? you must like to keep fit! What kind of things do you do with your friends? just sit and chat or other things? I like to keep busy in the evenings, I go for a walk, read or go to the cinema. Sometimes I meet up with friends too. Keep trying in class, I can see you know a lot and maybe you don't want to shout out the answer (more likely you don't get a chance, you have to be quick!) but I can hear you from the front! keep it up!
Other responses to their posts …
It sounds like you're a great mum Afraa. You do lots of things with your kids and seem to have a great time! Lucky you having a boat to go out in at the weekend, especially in this weather, it's so nice now. Thanks for your hard work in class Afraa, you're a great student, organized and hard-working.
It sounds like you're having a very busy time Obaid. Building a house is always a lot of work, but in the end it'll be a home. I'm glad you've found another driver, it'll make your life easier in the long run. You're a very hard worker Obaid and I really appreciate all your effort in class!
Student responses …. I am very glad I attended this course and all thanks to
the teachers and Ms. Teresa especially because you are the best. We will miss you a lot ... ^_^
first of all, thanks to you very much believe me I enjoyed too much in this course exactly with you Ms. Teresa, thanks for every things you do for us , I hope so where you go you stay happy in your life and good look in your future life. I will miss you
Findings
The learning atmosphere in class improved overall. I was able to build individual relationships with students
that encouraged them and so built confidence in their learning.
Not face-to-face means no loss of face. I saw another side to their personalities that doesn’t come
out in class for various reasons, e.g. shyness, lack of confidence in English, no chance to talk due to more vocal students.
There was a very positive learning environment and on leaving and one has even used Edmodo to keep in touch occasionally.
References: Penwell (2011)The Impact of an Educational Social Network
(Edmodo) on The Learning Community
Lawrence, S.A., McNeal, K., Yildiz, M.N. (2009) Summer program helps adolescents merge technology, popular culture, reading, and writing for academic purposes. Journal of Adolescent and Child Literacy. 52(6), 483-684
Sweeney, S.M. (2010). Writing for the instant and test messaging generations: using new literacies to support writing instruction. Journal of Adolescent and Child Literacy. 54(2), 121-130
Many thanks everyone …
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