Integrating Edmodo into Teaching and Learning: Experience from Student-Teachers Placidius Ndibalema (PhD) Lecturer, The University of Dodoma- Tanzania

Introduction The paper shares the experience on the use of Edmodo LMS as a tool for enhancing Student Centered Learning in Higher Learning Institutions. It addresses the perceived usefulness and challenges regarding Edmodo as a tool for enhancing students’ learning.

Cont. There has been some concerns regarding the level of student-teachers graduating from HLIs in Tanzania that they lack enough pedagogical competence. Why? Ineffective teacher education programmes Content delivery at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in HLIs is predominantly face to face lecture method

Cont. The opportunities presented by ICT have not been explored and harnessed fully by HLIs to serve education and training purposes. The research at UDOM by Seif et al (2014) revealed that only 8 courses were registered on UDOM Moodle at the college of Informatics, 1-CoED, 1-CHS while the remaining colleges such as CHSS, CoES, CNMS &COHS no any course was registered.

Cont. In a study by Mtebe and Raisamo (2014) it was found that UDOM had only 103 (10%) users on Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate teaching and learning. A number of factors have been mentioned to contribute to the situation.

Cont.

On this basis, as a University Staff I decided to expose to my student to Edmodo Learning Management System (LMS) as a tool for enhancing SCL. Developing students capacity in the use of ICTs for education coupled with easy access to learning resources through Edmodo seems to be the logical step towards enhancing SCL in HLIs

What is Edmodo? Edmodo is a free and secure educational learning platform which provides a simple way for teachers to create and manage an online classroom community. It allows Lecturers to connect and work with their students anywhere and anytime.

Cont. It integrates features from both Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle and Social Networking Sites (SNS) which makes it enjoyable and interactive. It doesn’t require a server for its management. It is available at and can reach anyone connected to the internet through a computer, Smartphone or tablet.

Why Edmodo was considered to enhance SCL? First, Edmodo LMS was considered as a virtual learning platform that could enhance easy delivery and sharing of e-resources rather than depending on face to face approaches alone. Second, it was sought to serve as the e-library for students. The books do not cater for the demand across all programs available at the college.

Cont. Edmodo was adapted and customized as a virtual learning system that would solve the problem of poor dissemination of information and educational resources for students such as course content, course outlines, course assignments, and CA. Finally, Edmodo LMS was considered important as a tool to enhance SCL, as it provides the room for students to engage in their professional development through critical discussions on matters related to their professional.

What is RASE model? RASE Model.doc RASE Model.doc The model assists Lecturers to understand how they can integrate with educational technologies. The model supports Lectures to learn how to share and prepare e-lessons. In the same way, it supports students to learn disciplinary content and develop new knowledge

Participants and ongoing Activities Students are taught in a blended approach Currently the course Instructor and students are in the process of strengthening the e- library by uploading a number of authentic e- books, journal articles and various educational reports & other open educational resources (OERs) relevant to the course. Again, students are in the process of creating academic e-portfolio which will be assessed at the end of the course.

Research Questions What are the students’ attitudes in the usage of Edmodo in learning? What are the students’ perceived opportunities on the use of Edmodo? What are the challenges faced by students when using Edmodo in their learning?

Research Findings It was found that respondents agreed at the average mean 3.2 that Edmodo could be used as a tool to enhance SCL This means that most students had positive attitudes towards the use of Edmodo as a tool to enhance SCL.

Cont. Students’ Attitudes on the use of Edmodo Mean SD I feel comfortable with the idea of using Edmodo as a tool for learning The idea of using Edmodo in my learning do not make me skeptical The use of Edmodo in learning do not scare me Edmodo is conducive for learning because it is easy to use Edmodo helps in learning because it allows me to express my thinking in better and different ways Edmodo is not conducive for enhancing learning because it creates technical problems Edmodo saves time and effort in planning my personal studies I think I need to use Edmodo in my teaching in the future I would rather do things by Edmodo than by hand (paper and pen) I have the intention to use Edmodo after the completion of this course I feel Edmodo do more as a learning tool than being social network tool I don’t doubt the true value of using Edmodo for learning I find the use of Edmodo enjoyable in learning and assignment activities I like to make online appointments with my lecturers through this platform, because it is fast I feel comfortable to share ideas and learning resources with my fellow students through Edmodo Total Mean 3.28

Cont. In the case of opportunities the findings indicate that most responses were rated under agree category at the average mean of 3.2 Most rated aspects include: provides immediate feedback, social interactions, sharing teaching resources, networking, collaboration and critical reflection.

Cont. Perceived Opportunities on the use of Edmodo Mean SD I get a support from the course Instructor through the mutual interaction Edmodo provides opportunities for social interaction with my classmates online and professional learning I am engaged in collaborative learning activities through Edmodo I am exposed to more educational resources through Edmodo My critical thinking is enhanced because of Edmodo Edmodo creates an avenue to complete the classroom assignments on time Edmodo enhances my confidence in my professional learning activities Edmodo has made me extend my perception on the possibilities of using ICT as a pedagogical tool Edmodo provides opportunities to share folder and access my lecturer’s resources I find the unlimited Backpack (Digital Library) option is very useful for saving data (e.g. Files, folders, etc.) This platform is useful for making enquiries on information (e.g. video file, slides, etc.) posted by my lecturers and classmates I like to take online quizzes using this platform because it gives me the correct answer immediately after completion I like this platform for submitting assignments (e.g. reports, term papers, etc.) because comments from my lecturer are fast I like to make online appointments with my lecturer through this platform, because it is fast Receiving fast feedback from my lecturer after the submission of the assignment is motivating Edmodo offers me more opportunities to interact with my Lecturer and peers outside classroom Edmodo saves effort and time by doing and submitting assignments electronically Edmodo services like (SMS messages, alerts, notes) give me a running record of assignments’ due date and a description of what is expected When absent, I can easily access class materials and assignments through Edmodo Edmodo gives me a chance to share my writing with my Lecturer and peers Total Mean3.26

Cont. In the case of challenges, most responses were rated under agree category at the average mean of 2.6 which means that most students perceived Edmodo as tool which has challenges in enhancing SCL. Other challenges include: time wastage, high cost of internet bandwidth, lack of enough ICT facilities, lack of stable electricity and lack of commitment towards students.

Cont. Perceived Challenges on the use of Edmodo Mean SD Internet access is either not easily accessible or unavailable to support learning through Edmodo I had insufficient time to master Edmodo and integrate in my learning during a class period Lack of sufficient training on cause problems when responding to online assignments Edmodo is difficult to use for new users of e-learning software Responding to my classmates’ postings is too challenging and wasting of time I lack access to computers at the college to support my learning through Edmodo Edmodo requires long time to master its use The use of Edmodo needs one to learn some troubleshooting technology tasks to facilitate its usage I dislike using Edmodo because the time allocated to the timed quizzes is too fast Online activities such as quizzes, assignments and discussions in Edmodo are time consuming on the part of students Students with no access on the internet could be left behind especially on the course activities and discussions in Edmodo Edmodo facilitates cheating and copying other students’ work as they can easily be able to share and access other student’s files/answers The procedure of Edmodo is difficult to understand and to follow for students I feel upset in solving exercises and activities using application of Edmodo during the electricity cut off I do not trust the authenticity of the information that I get through Edmodo Total Mean2.68

The way forward Sensitization is needed among students is highly needed Strong ICT policies should in place in HLIs There is a need to invest in ICT facilities in HLIs so as to respond to the growing new innovations and reforms Other LMS and SNS could be explored to see the possibility of being used as a means for enhancing SCL in HLIs

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