Edmodo: Free Educational Social Networking Tool

One of my favorite learning tools is Edmodo (www.edmodo.com).  Edmodo is a free, secure, educational social networking tool that works almost like a virtual classroom.  Once teachers sign-up for a free account, they are able to add different "groups" of students who can then message other group members through Edmodo.  Edmodo also lets teachers upload assignments for students to access any time and any place.  Students turn in assignments directly through Edmodo, allowing for paperless interactions. 

How can Edmodo work for you?  Here are ways that it has already been used at our school:

• Create a hybrid learning environment where your classroom content is also available online.
• Use it for small group discussions.  (This has worked very well for lit circle book groups).
• Remind your class about important events.
• Have a whole class discussion on a specific topic.
• Post links to relevant class websites for students to explore.
• Have students open, complete, and turn-in assignments without the need for any paper.
• Engage students in learning materials outside of school.  (Lit Masters met virtually throughout the summer via Edmodo).  

The students absolute LOVE using Edmodo.  It's also a great tool for engaging those introverted students who are reluctant to talk face-to-face.  I was amazed at how many students were using it after school and on the weekends.  Using Edmodo can really keep the learning going outside of our classroom walls.