Beginning this year some students at Maplewood Middle School will be using a new eLearning platform called “Edmodo”, developed exclusively for education. According to Mr. Mason, 6th grade Science teacher and Red Tigers team leader, it is an online private learning forum as an extension to the physical classroom. Edmodo is a restricted, teacher controlled learning site where all communication and student interaction can, and will, be closely monitored by the teacher and school principal to ensure the safety and support for all students involved. This is not a public website, only those the teacher invites may join the group.
Mr. Mason also states that on Edmodo students will be able to:
- Post responses to the teacher and ask questions about homework assignments from home,
- Share ideas about class work from anywhere at any time,
- Share files and resources,
- Keep track of important events,
- Quickly and easily catch up on handouts or classwork missed due to absences,
- Receive and hand in assignments electronically (as needed).
According to the Principal, Mr. Truppo, using Edmodo is not a school wide initiative. There are some teachers or teams who have decided to explore it and look at the potential, but it’s their own person interest. Students whose teachers are participating in Edmodo will be expected to log in every day, via any computer at home or in school, or via internet-capable mobile phones. Students are required to agree to a code of conduct in advance in order to encourage online safety and etiquette.
For more information about Edmodo, you can visit www.edmodo.com. The website’s privacy policy is available here. If you have questions, please contact the Principal, Mr. Truppo at 973-378-3660.
