Technology Reflection: Instructional Use of Edmodo 10/11/2011

Technology Reflection Assignment

 

Description/Experience

            During the technology demonstration, Edmodo was presented.  It is a secure social networking program where the teacher can create their profile and different classes.  Then, each student can create their own profile and be added to the specific class.  The students are able to be friends on Edmodo with each other and their teacher.  The teacher can add assignments and discussion for the students to complete.  The students can complete the assignments and turn them in on Edmodo.  The teacher can grade the assignment and then post grades and comments for only the students to see.  Also, the students can post questions and wonderings to discuss with their peers.

           

Application

            This lesson would be for a second grade class.  By the end of the lesson, the students will be able to identify the noun and verb in sentences.  The students will be able to create a complete sentence with noun and verb in proper order.  I would know this lesson was effective and the students achieved the learning outcomes by checking their assignment that the students turned in on Edmodo.

            First, I, the teacher, would teach a lesson in class on nouns and verbs in a sentence.  Students would complete guided and independent practice activities on nouns and verbs. 

            Next, I would place an assignment on the class page on Edmodo.  It would give instruction and have the assignment attached as a word document.  The student will turn the assignment in on Edmodo by the due date provided on the directions page.

            After the students turn in their assignments, I will check the assignments and grade them.  If the students are struggling, I will provide feedback on how they can improve and give them an extra activity to complete.  I will then post the grades to their Edmodo profile (private).

 

Reflection

Pedagogy-Content:

            I would represent the content with examples and demonstrations.  I could post these examples online on Edmodo.  The students would be able to review the examples and post questions before the assignment is posted.  I could do a demonstration for finding the noun and verb in sentences by using Power Point or Prezi.  I would also post the Power Point or Prezi on Edmodo for the students to review.

            I believe learning nouns and verbs are a basic content knowledge area.  The only thing I would be concerned about is making the examples and questions relatable to all students and their culture.  Therefore, the students would be able to relate to the content.  I would also add some challenge questions for the students that understand the content and to establish if some students need extra practice.

Technology:

            Some major functions of this technology are a secure social networking site for teachers and students to use.  Teachers are able to post assignments, and students are able to complete assignments and turn them in.  Also, students are able to discuss questions and wonderings about homework or content with their peers. 

            Yes, it is easy to find.  Students can create their own account, and if they forget their password, the teacher is able to see it and provide it to the student.  It is free and can be accessed on any computer at home or in the school. 

Technology-Pedagogy:

            The technology would be used to post examples and demonstrations on the topic of nouns and verbs.  Edmodo would also be used to post assignments and for the students to complete the assignment and turn them in.  Also, the students would be able to use Edmodo to discuss any questions they might have.

            It would change the activity by giving the students the responsibility to complete the assignment and turn it in on time.  Also, it would allow the teacher to provide extra examples and demonstrations for the students to view if they need too.  The teacher can also give instant feedback on the assignment and grades instantly. 

            There needs to be rules established when using Edmodo.  Edmodo needs to be treated just like a classroom.  Talking about things not school related or explicit is not acceptable.  The students need to respect each other and the program when on Edmodo.  If the student does not follow the rules, they will lose their Edmodo privileges. 

Technology-Content:

            Edmodo would allow the students to visually see the examples and demonstrations of identifying the nouns and verbs in a sentence.  Also, you could an audio recording to describe the examples or demonstrations.

            The students would be able to complete the activity electronically, and they would also be able practice the examples and demonstrations as much or as little as they need to.  If they need extra help or have questions they can discuss it with their peers on Edmodo or ask the teacher.

Technology-Pedagogy-Content:

            The content would be taught in class, and then extra examples and demonstrations will be provided on Edmodo.  Students are able to ask questions and discuss questions with their peers and teacher on Edmodo.  Teachers can evaluate students’ progress and understanding through assignments on Edmodo.

            The teacher is able to emphasize the important parts of the content and is able to provide extra examples with content that the students are struggling with.  The teacher is able to use teaching strategies that relate to diverse learners, either visually, auditory, or kinesthetically. 

            I would use all teaching strategies available.  I could visually put up examples and demonstrations of the content.  I would put up audio files on the lesson and explain demonstrations and examples.  Also, I would put up examples where students can practice the examples and demonstrations themselves.  Edmodo allows for teachers to use different teaching strategies to meet all students’ needs.  This allows students to learn in their own time and own way.