What Works Well

Students loved having access to social networking in an educational setting.  It was a format that many were familiar with, and that many others were wanting to learn more about.  They found it to be engaging and were more willing to participate, discuss, and turn in homework than in the traditional classroom setting.

The messaging component was a huge hit.  They loved the idea of being able to communicate with their peers - even if it was for an "academic" reason.  The students also seemed more comfortable asking questions of me about their homework, the content we were studying, or other general questions they thought I could answer.

Utilizing the filesharing abilities of Edmodo opened up new possibilities for my Writing students.  Even in a small rural district like Warrensburg, around 80% of my students have access to a computer and the Internet at their home.  We're no longer confined to just the time that I can carve out for us in the computer lab.  They now have more flexibility to work on their writing at home, and it allows absent students to be able to contribute even when they aren't at school.