In browsing some of the Web 2.0 apps on the site, Go2Web20.net, I have discovered there are a number of these crafty things that can be incorporated into classroom learning. But why incorporate them anyway? Well, one of the biggest reasons yet again is that students can be engaged in their learning and collaborate with each other in their studies. Through Web 2.0 tools, students can easily upload their work, presentations, writing, images…and these tools act as a vehicle for students to develop both academic and technical skills, while publishing their work to either a broad audience or just their classmates for any kind of feedback, from tips to encouragement.
It was hard to just pick a few Web 2.0 apps that would be useful in the classroom. While I browsed, I tried to find those apps that were either free for students to use, or those apps that were low in cost. One of the apps that I came across that I thought might be useful in the classroom is the site, Edmodo.com. Edmodo.com is a private place where teachers and students can interact, distributing and turning in assignments, sharing notes, and sending files and links to each other. Teachers can communicate with their students online, sharing important alerts, i.e. what assignment is due, and students can blog and interact with each other regarding classwork.
The other app I would choose to incorporate, although not as interactive as students blogging or communicating with each other, does allow for teachers, students, and their parents to keep track of student learning and progress. Engrade.com is a site that is pretty much like an online gradebook. Engrade.com allows for teachers to manage their classrooms, while providing access to grades for given assignments, notification of upcoming homework as well as attendance. Parents who are concerned about their children’s grades can log on to check the progress of their child online, and they have 24-hour access to classroom information. It’s a great tool for all involved in student learning to use.
These two Web 2.0 apps I would choose to incorporate in the classroom are really just a small selection in comparison to the unlimited selection of apps to use online. My suggestion is to start with Go2Web20.net and browse what is available out there for teachers to use in their classrooms.
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Glad you found Edmodo. I am always available for questions and help. You can use the contact form on edmodo.com or get to me via twitter. http://twitter.com/zemote .
ReplyDelete-Jeff O'Hara
Co-Founder of Edmodo
Jonee,
ReplyDeleteI have used engrade for 2 years now and it was down earlier this year causing quite a few problems. My students can't always get their grades which then has parents calling me like I can fix it. Other than that I like it a lot.
thanks for the idea about quibblo, that is a great idea.
I think edmundo will be a great tool especially for assignments. I have so many students who could benefit from this. Especially with sharing notes. I have a few students who seem to miss alot of class due to be a pull out student and being able to get tips online and not feeling silly would be great. I think I might check into that.
Thanks.. great tips
Libby