It’s pretty clear that Edmodo is the best way to communicate with students outside of school.
But right now, my students can’t handle too many sites at once. After all, I’m trying to get them used to Google Docs, their new email addresses, and our class website, iseroma.com.
Until I introduce students to Edmodo (second quarter?), I’m using Chatroll, a group chat application, to facilitate conversations with students after school. I had my first group chat tonight, and it was a big success.
After signing up and creating a chatroll, it’s easy to embed it on your website. Then, students can join in on the discussion with their own username and password.
The application is sharp and easy to use. My only concern is about privacy. Sure, Chatroll lets me block users and monitor content. You can choose who can see the chatroll and who can write messages. That’s all very good. But at the same time, there isn’t the sense of safety that I’ve felt with Edmodo.
Why wait until second semester to introduce your students to Edmodo?, there is no time like the present 🙂
-Jeff
I would love to start earlier! But I’m hoping for a widget badge to help students be directed to Edmodo or the capability of embedding Edmodo into one of my website pages. But maybe I should just go for it as you’ve suggested!