ASYNCHRONOUS Communication Tools
Edmodo is a social learning network and discussion platform where teachers and students can interact and collaborate online. The web-based application is available for teachers, students, parents and administrators. The application is free and easy to use, and there is no installation setup involved. Figure 1 lists some of the main features which Edmodo offers (“Edmodo Training PowerPoint”, n.d.).
Table 1 below provides a list of advantages and disadvantages of Edmodo (“Edmodo in the Classroom”, n.d.).
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Easy to use |
Text messaging is not an available
feature |
Cost = Free |
The
interface (i.e. the look and feel) is more geared towards students and
educators versus business.
Therefore, it may not boost a universal appeal. |
It is a very
secure, closed network |
If a student does not have access to a
computer and the internet, or a mobile device they would not be able to use
the tool. |
Teachers can
create connections with other students from different schools, states, or
cultures |
There
is no face-to-face interaction which can lead to feelings of isolation. |
Provides a
multitude of community resources and connections teachers can make with other
teachers |
Lag time in feedback response from
peers and/or teachers. |
Teachers can
differentiate instruction by creating subgroups of students |
|
Students can
upload homework assignments, take quizzes, polls and receive grades and
feedback and suggestions from teachers |
|
Parents can
be involved by viewing their child's work and grades, and keep in touch with
teachers |
|
Provides a method
for sharing documents and digital media online |
|
Great tool
for use with mobile devices and for mobile learning. |
|
The tool
works with all browser types |
|
- Usability – ease of use. Students/teachers/parents/administrators can learn to use the tool in a short period of time and therefore will be more inclined to use it for classroom discussion, content and learning management.
- Accessibility – accessible to all users. Students/ teachers/parents/administrators are able to access the tool using various devices, with all browser types, and from anywhere, anytime, and anyplace.
- Compatibility – compatible with multiple devices and equipment. Since users will not all have the same devices or equipment, it is important that the tool is flexible enough to be used with a variety of devices or equipment.
I used Edmodo in the spring 2013 semester for a Mobile Learning course. One of the requirements of the course was to use a mobile device (e.g. cell phone, iPad, Tablet, laptop) to post discussions, get content and collaborate on programming code for apps. It was very easy to install the app on my iPad and iPhone, and I also created a custom alert/notification so that I would receive emails and text alerts when any updates or posts were made in our group. I think that Edmodo can be used in my Distance Education class as a supplement and/or complement to Blackboard. For instance, students could post links to articles, video or other resources on interesting topics/tidbits that they have found on distance education and learning while doing research. I envision it working similar to Pinterest (i.e. “…a tool for collecting and organizing things you love or that inspire you”), but from a higher education/research perspective (“Pinterest”, n.d.).
What I liked about the tool was being connected all the time, especially on-the-go, getting my assignments from there without having to login to Blackboard all the time, and the cost (i.e. free). What I disliked was that the interface was too plain and boring, and had an associated lag time in response. For example, when I used the tool for class in the spring, we were learning how to program apps using Livecode software. If you were working on code, say in the morning, and had an issue which you posted online, sometimes you would not get any response or feedback until late at night or the next day. I think it would be a better tool if a synchronous component could be added to it where students could connect in real-time to solve problems or collaborate.
Unfortunately, I did not have the pleasure of working with my assigned partner. After sending multiple emails and an instant message via Lync, my assigned partner never responded. I worked on this module by researching what has been written about the tool and prior personal experience from using the tool in the spring 2013 semester course. I still have an active Edmodo student account; therefore I was able to go back and review posts, features, and content in the tool. The following screenshots display some of Edmodo’s iPad features:
Edmodo Training PowerPoint. (n.d.) Retrieved October 3, 2013 from https://support.edmodo.com/home#entries/22139400-training-presentation
"Pinterest." Pinterest. n.d. Retrieved October 7, 2013 from http://about.pinterest.com/