Item: Edmodo
Rating: 9
Author: Sarah McGuire

Overall Satisfaction

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Edmodo is being utilized in a number of classroom settings in both our middle and high schools. Teachers have integrated it on an individual basis as a learning management tool. The district is moving towards a 1:1 technology model, and in preparation, many teachers are experimenting with various platforms, and the implication is that a single one may be chosen for the district in the future.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Collaboration between students- I can have students interact in and outside of class using discussion boards, small group settings, messages, etc. Students who would be unlikely to participate in class are far more likely to in this setting, thereby allowing me access to data on their capabilities regardless of their shyness or fear of public speaking.
Data collection- Edmodo functions as a digital portfolio. I can access written work, assessments, gradebook entries, and a student's communication with others through this platform, and can archive it from year to year. I can compare students, or improve upon my own teaching with this data.
Extending the classroom environment beyond the school day- students have loved the opportunities to communicate with me and others outside of school walls. They can jump on their smart phones on the way into school and check on an assignment. They can shoot me a message if they are absent. I can run my class remotely if I am away for the day. The user interface is friendly and easy to use so students feel comfortable working with it regularly.
Formative assessments- the easy access to this platform for quick assessments allows me to immediately improve my teaching based on student needs.
Compatibility over many devices- My classroom has an iPad cart, and Edmodo became the way for my students to create content and get it on and off the machine easily. They could use it at home on computers, and on personal smart phones and other devices as well. The free aspect removed any and all barriers to access.

Cons

The iOS application version needs improvements in functionality. It just doesn't have everything that the web version offers. It has improved substantially this year, but still needs more capacity. I'd like to see it function better with other applications such as Drive.
I'd like the assessment feature to be able to be linked to standards for my viewing only. This would better help me utilize data from the assessments to target gaps in student learning.
The calendar has improved, but is still a bit hard to navigate, I'd like to see that more streamlined.

Return on Investment

Faster grading efficiency
Better student accountability
Better communication with parents through parent access codes
Improved student engagement in and outside the classroom

Alternatives Considered

Schoology

These two platforms are similar. The user interface of Edmodo is just friendlier and more obvious to navigate, however once you are used to either interface, they both are highly functional and improve learning and engagement.

Likelihood to Renew

I will absolutely continue using a learning management system such as Edmodo. The only possibility for changing platforms would be to explore any new options released.

Likelihood to Recommend

There are a few great learning management systems out there. I think Edmodo suits my 8th grade Social Studies classroom well. However, it may not be as appropriate for another subject, or perhaps for older students who need more capacity. I liked the friendly interface for middle school aged kids, but if I was teaching seniors in high school, I might lean more towards a Schoology interface for formality. I think that decision really comes down to personal preference, as the capacities and functionalities are so similar. We have had this debate in my school, and I highly recommend the use of this platform to my peers, but think the use of any similar platform could yield similar results if integrated appropriately into good teaching practice.

Product Usage

Users and Roles

10 - Teachers

Support Headcount Required

I am the support person for Edmodo in the sense that I provide professional development to peers and serve as a "go to" resource for anyone attempting to use it.

Business Processes Supported

Classroom management
Assessment data collection
Student engagement
Digital portfolios

Innovative Uses

Teacher collaboration
Sharing of materials

Future Planned Uses

When you go to district wide use, there is a cost associated. I'm not sure this is the best route.

Evaluation and Selection

Products Replaced

Key Differentiators

Price
Product Features
Product Usability

I had iPads that were shared among students and needed a way to make an individual management system to allow students to create, submit, and access their work.

Evaluation Lessons Learned

I found Edmodo using a Twitter recommendation using my Professional Learning Network on there and am happy I did!

Implementation

Implementation Rating

Plan a little extra time to let them play with the platform with fun assignments. This made them comfortable submitting work, finding items, communicating with me or each other.

Implementation Details / Implementation Partner

Don't know

Implementation Phases

Change Management Lessons

Not sure - There is no management by the school. Edmodo is used in district by individual teachers and integrated by them independent of school leadership.

Implementation Issues

Learning curve for me
Learning curve for students with iPad use

Training

Training Types Used

Self-taught

Ease of Edmodo Training

This is very easy. If you've ever used facebook, you won't need any directions.

Support

Support Rating

If you tweet them, they respond. Their service responses via email are slow.

Edmodo Customer Support Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response	Difficult to get immediate help