Web 2.0: Edmodo

In recent times, social networking has evolved from the basic functions that it served over a decade ago. When MySpace and Facebook first came into being, they were simple information gathering sites and ways to communicate with potential roommates, respectively. Now, we've recently seen an overhaul in the MySpace site in hope of drawing back some of the people who have become tired of the constant battles that are fought with Facebook and Mark Zuckerburg over the supposed privacy that is inherent in such a site. From these sites we have also seen the birth of alternative social media such as Twitter, Tumblr, and even Google's attempt at social networking with G+. All have their individual uses and their individual appeals. These have become integrated and a core part of the the youth's lives and they are almost completely unable to separate themselves from these sites. Instead, they build profiles, personalize, and become one with their virtual identities.

This is something that the older generation doesn't understand and the new generation of educators remembers the beginning of. With this is mind, the creators over at www.Edomodo.com have created a virtual learning community that allows students to not only utilize a social networking interface that they are familiar with, they have created a site where students can personalize their profiles as well. This allows the students to not only contribute to their education via social networking format, they also feel as if they are their virtual individual. Similarly, the instructors are able to control what the students post, where, and what gets discussed, allowing the education full control over what is occurring without the worry that cyber-bulling might occur while students should be learning. Additionally, should a student step out of line or not follow disciplinary instructions by an instructor, the instructor can remove the student's profile from the class.

The benefits extend even further, allowing the instructors to create deposits for homework, tests, or essays that the students have completed, along with a calendar for the students and the parents to follow. With that in mind, there is also a way for parents to create accounts to follow their children, their due dates, and interactions with the teachers and other students. This is an excellent way to keep the student, parents, and teachers all on the same level while providing the students with a reason to want to be involved with a site that is a part of their education.