How Can Teachers Create a Sense of Community?

Edmodo is a social learning network created for teachers that want a space for their students to securely interact with each other.  Teachers create groups, usually based on classes, which their students join.  Once a student is a member of a group, they can begin interacting with one another as well as the teacher.  They can have discussions. They can turn in assignments. They can take quizzes and polls. They can access various types of media the teacher shares. The possibilities are endless!  In many respects, Edmodo allows a teacher to create an online community for his/her students.  But, as I have found, it allows the student to go well beyond the occasionally sharing of ideas or turning in of assignments and become an integral part of shaping their classroom community. 

Like many teachers, creating a sense of community among my students has always been a high priority, and I have always questioned the most effective ways in which to accomplish this goal. When I began using Edmodo two years ago, I could see how it could accomplish this in basic ways.   But as my fellow team members and I introduced our new seventh graders to Edmodo, we began to see the students take ownership of their classroom community and learning.

We encouraged the students to post questions or comments about the day’s lesson if they needed extra help after school.  But, what we didn’t anticipate was the student’s willingness to assist each other.  On numerous occasions, students would respond with helpful tips or advice before we had a chance to. 

The students began “sharing” review items they made for tests and exams.  When a big test was coming up, we would see our Edmodo pages fill with websites, videos, and student created material all in the name helping their fellow classmates succeed. 

The students began reaching out to peers they might not interact with during the school day, and finding new and exciting ways to use their community.  While their “group” was teacher created and facilitated, it truly became a space that they owned and were proud of!

I truly believe this was possible because Edmodo created a space that spoke to the students. It looks and feels very much like many of the social media sites they already participate in.  Edmodo allows the student to tap into that part of their lives in the school setting. 

Through Edmodo, my question has been answered. Give students the correct tools, and they will create and embrace community within the classroom. 

Katie Robinson