Thing 12: Social Learning & Learning Management Systems

I have never used a Learning Management System with my own students in school before.  But, the good thing is students are exposed to them already.  ELA and Social Studies teachers in grade 7 and 8 are just a few that use Edmodo or are interested in using a MOOC in class.  I could see using Edmodo with my 6th grade students, as our class is only a semester, every other day for 40 minutes.  Using Edmodo would be a great way to extend class time. 

Good Reads
Believe it or not, I've never created a Good Reads account, even though it's been popular for several years.

Within a few minutes of registering, a friend connected with me on Good Reads, which was helpful b/c it allowed me to see another dimension of the site, (to look at her books and see her recommendations, etc.).

I stumbled across a Summer Reading list for a specific school in Listopia.  This seems to be to have potential to be a great idea to use with kids.  You could make a Summer Reading book list, (but I think kids would have to make their own accounts first).  Students could rate the books and it could inform what future students would choose for Summer Reading.  For example, if you knew that Kevin really liked the same types of books you did, maybe you'd choose a Summer Reading book he read and liked.  The caveat is that kids have to be 13 or older, which may confine this idea to grade 8 and above.

Book club members could give abbreviated recommendations for those who missed the book club, or better yet-you could host a "virtual" book club where kids recommend books to each other online!

I really liked the book discussion feature.  I've noted that you should only open a discussion if you've read the book b/c there are spoilers.

I think it would be cool to use Good Reads with the Pleasure Read Book Club I run, beginning in January.  We could do a pilot of it and see how it goes.  I think the kids would really enjoy this!


Edutopia Community Groups
I also checked out the Edutopia Community Groups.  It's great that you can "eavesdrop" on the group discussions and decided which groups you want to join after you've read the posts.  I found the Literacy group discussions interesting.  The Classroom Management group was also very helpful, as I have my own students for the first time this year.

I wonder if other teachers know much about these discussion groups.  I thought it would be a good idea to perhaps email the teachers about them.  Maybe others know about them, and just need a reminder.

I'm so glad I made a Good Reads account and checked out Edutopia Community Groups-I look forward to using them more!