Instructional Technology Integration

Technology Reflection Assignment

Technology Reflection: Instructional Use of  Edmodo

Description/Experience

In our last seminar, the technology presented was called ‘Edmodo.’ It is a free no cost social networking site, much like the very socially popular  website ‘facebook.’ However, Edmodo is used as a social-educational connection between teachers and students. A teacher may construct an Edmodo site, and ask his or her students to create an account and gain access to the class’s homepage. There, the teacher (controller of the website page) may post homework assignments, grades, reminders, and other things in general necessary to their students. Each student may have their own profile, and certain things between the teacher and student such as grades remains confidential. It is quick and it allows for students to become more connected with their teacher and each other.

Application

                      My placement is with a first grade classroom. If each student were very technologically savvy with online technology and social networking sites, then perhaps Edmodo could be incorporated into a lesson with the majority of control being in the teacher’s hands. My host teacher could create an Edmodo page and grant access to her students. Student’s parents would also have access so they could log on with their child to learn about homework assignments and hear new messages from the teacher.                                    For an activity to be posted onto Edmodo, here is one suggestion: An activity could be presented to the students, in which the final result would have to be posted onto the Edmodo main page. The lesson is designed for first graders. The class would be divided up in half. The lesson would be a part of language arts, and would focus on word endings into word families. Each side would be assigned an ending, such as: ing, or ed. Each side would receive the same word in its present tense, then would determine the correct ending and use it in a sentence. For example: “Fix.” One side should say “fixed” and the other side should say “fixing” by using them in sentences. The outcome is the understanding of word endings for certain words, where they belong, and how to use them correctly. After 5 words are given to each side, the teacher may have each student participate and type part of the sentence onto Edmodo. After school, students may share their work with their parents. For a homework assignment, each student would log onto Edmodo with a parent and complete a similar activity and post it under the assignments tab. My host teacher could reward grades to each post. 

Reflection

Pedagogy-Content:

            To represent the content to the students, students would build upon previous knowledge to what they already knew about words, word endings, and sentence structure. I would also present examples of other words so that students could utilize those examples and refresh their memory. Despite age groups, students are at different levels of learning all the time. Hopefully, with the class as a whole learning the same lesson over time, they would be able to conduct this assignment with ease.

Technology:

            The number one function of ‘Edmodo’ is the instant connection it brings to students and teachers. with the click of a button, students have instant access to answers about the class and certain classroom assignments. The ease of its use among certain age groups brings great benefits. teachers can grade quickly and students can receive their grade instantly, and since the majority of students do prefer instant knowledge of a grade, Edmodo allows them this ease.

Technology-Pedagogy:

            The technology would be used in this activity by means of posting the activity to the page itself. By teaching the students a lesson on language arts, thus with the teaching of new technology, it allows the students to gain a deeper understanding of what technology can do for education.

Classroom management of the use of this technology is vital. Certain students may misuse Edmodo, and not utilize its academic benefits. Constant monitoring from the teacher would be required.

Technology-Content:

            Since Edmodo does require the use of typing and computers, the content would have to be represented correctly in every sense- grammatical corrections and proper sentence structure.  By using Edmodo, the content would be represented on the web, and that way all who are allowed may view it. By practicing different activities and utilizing Edmodo, students may feel more motivated to practice if they know they would be permitted to use a computer.

Technology-Pedagogy-Content:

            With the right instruction on how to properly use Edmodo, students may practice and further utlize its benefits. By using this technology, more subjects may be brought to attention. Students may practice math, reading, science, and other spelling practices. The teacher would be free to post new assignments that he or she feels would help the students. At allocated times, the teacher can instruct the students on how to gain access to Edmodo, and how to access its basic items that will allow them further practice, and connection with their peers and teacher.