Ways to Improve: Schoology and Edmodo

Online interaction and discussion has proven to be a great help on the journey for academic success.  These discussions and interactions usually happen in what’s known as a learning management system or LMS.  Learning management systems “allow teachers to post course materials, link to resources, host lessons and discussions, allow students to submit assignments, allow collaboration and communication between and with students, and depending on the platform, do a whole lot more that matches the necessity of blending technology with education today.” (Rodick, 2012).  Meaning, a learning management system is essentially a blueprint of your classroom that you can put online for students and parents.

The top two learning management systems are Schoology and Edmodo.  Both offer platforms for not only discussion, but full lessons and assessments as well.  Online discussion allows for many students to participate in ways that they may not have done in the traditional classroom.  For example, a student that is shy and dislikes speaking in front of others may not be motivated to participate as much in a traditional discussion setting, take away the in class aspect of the discussion and put it online, and that student may just feel more comfortable contributing.  According to Chen and Looi:

“One of the widely cited advantages of online discussion is its increased flexibility due to removing time and space restrictions of the typical classroom setting (Curtis & Lawson, 2001; Harasim, Hiltz, Teles & Turoff, 1995; Henri, 1992). The asynchronous capabilities of online discussion allow learners to have more time to think "deeply" before giving their opinions (Moore, 2002). The interactive nature of online discussion helps promote discussion among learners, creating a forum for the creation of knowledge (Gay, Sturgill, Martin & Huttenlocher, 1999). Through online discussion, education and learning can be transformed from a one way instructional approach to a highly interactive approach to learning (Henri, 1992; Vrasidas & McIssac, 1999; Warschauer, 1997). Online discussion can facilitate collaborative learning, when learners are actively engaged in sharing information and perspectives through interaction with other learners (Harasim, 1989).”

With all of these great advantages to online discussion, it only makes sense to incorporate it into our curriculum.  Here is a tutorial on how to use the learning management system Schoology:

Here is a link to an Edmodo group I created that takes students through the creative writing process.  Join the group using the code: zj4bn5

Mrs. Archer's Writing Workshop

You will notice that there are folders of content, small group work, assignment calendars, and a link out to a site to publish their final product as a digital story.

Up next: Challenge Based Learning

Resources:

 Chen, W., & Looi, C. (n.d.). AJET 23(3) Chen and Looi (2007) Incorporating online discussion in face to face classroom learning: A new blended learning approach. AJET 23(3) Chen and Looi (2007) Incorporating online discussion in face to face classroom learning: A new blended learning approach. Retrieved September 26, 2014, from http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet23/chen.html

Rodick, W. (n.d.). Technoloducation. Technoloducation. Retrieved September 26, 2014, from http://williamrodick.tumblr.com/post/24466996448/learning-management-systems-learning-management