Introducing Edmodo, Youtube, and Google Docs to my Classes

So I introduced Edmodo this week with my students, and except for an opening setback, it was a pretty successful.  First, I created an assignment for my MYP 9 students - a poetry annotation, double column T-chart activity that I linked to Edmodo so my students could  highlight sections of the poem on one side of the T-chart, and quote/label the figurative language, sound devices, and rhyme scheme on the other side.  Unfortunately, Edmodo does not allow students to annotate on documents directly through their site, but does allow them to download the document as a Microsoft Word file and then upload the finished product to Edmodo.  Teachers can annotate the documents through their site, though, then upload the document as a model, though.

As this was the first time I had worked with Edmodo assignments, there was a steep learning curve for my students and I on the first go-round.  As we don't have laptops, IPads, or enough student devices, we went to the computer lab to complete the assignment - an most importantly, get the kids comfortable with the site.  So . . . the download of the document and the completion of the activity went well, BUT, the actual turn-in process - not so well!  We thought that the document would  upload automatically, but, alas, it did not.  Anyways, lesson learned.  The students needed to save the document to the computer hard drive first, then upload the file to Edmodo.  Seems pretty intuitive, but I obviously didn't intuit!

Anyways, we did not have computer lab access for my other MYP 9 class, so I assigned the activity for homework, and so far the students have been doing a pretty good job.  I like that I have access to each of the assignments through Edmodo, I can annotate their finished assignments, grade each one, and provide comments, as well.  Here is a screenshot of one of my students finished assignments:

  

I have also created my first videos for my 10 graders to help them with their research paper, specifically using their notecards to create an outline and how to create hooks, topic sentences, and transitions.  I linked these videos through Edmodo and on my classroom site, so they have multiple ways to get to them.

They seem to be much more independent then in previous years after watching the videos, even though I have already decided how I will do a better job on them the next time around.  I was especially impressed with my special education students, who usually struggle with this assignment, but they seem to be thriving so far.  I think what helps them is the option of having a short instructional video to return to time and again for support when they get stuck, even if I am not available or with another student.  It has also given me the opportunity to spend more time with them individually for motivation and 1x1 instruction.  I can't wait to develop more videos at the beginning of the process, instead of the middle, as is the case now that I started my class flip at the 2nd semester when we were halfway through the research paper.

Finally, my students are utilizing Google Drive to write their final outlines, as well.  (On a related tangent: our school system only allows an older version of Internet Explorer on our computers, so Google Drive is slow and has a delay as they type.  I love that it saves their document as they type, though, and they do not have to save it to the school website.  Anyways, I asked our IT specialists and they tell me that PWCS has no plans to upgrade the browser anytime soon, and Google Chrome or Firefox is strictly forbidden on the school's computers.  On another related tangent #2: Youtube is only allowed on the schools computers in the computer labs, but not through the school's WiFi, so we cannot access Youtube in the classroom, even with BYOD implementation.  Can you tell we are a bit behind the curve?!  I refuse to let this hold me back though!)

So far, so good, as they say, but I will find out more as students will begin to submit their final outlines tomorrow and Friday through Edmodo.

More soon on my 11th graders' use of Kidblog to practice their Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) essay writing prompts, which they started yesterday.

All for now!
Sean