Which platform should I use?

I have been looking at several places to bring my students together. I wanted a place where I can post assignments, links, students can collaborate, students blog, etc. However, I am having trouble. I have looked at Ning, iGoogle, Wikispaces, blogpsot, and who knows what else. Problem 1. some of the sites require students to put in their email and verify the account. Our school does not allow students to receive email from outside of the school. Problem 2. It seems like Ning has all of the features I am looking for, but I am not sure it is the best choice. Of course it is one that requires student verification of email. We have a facebook group, but that obviously isn't cutting it. Please help, I need to move forward.

Tags: Blogspot, Ning, Wikispaces, iGoogle

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Permalink Reply by Keith Schoch on March 9, 2010 at 9:08am

Hey, Shaughn.

I recently blogged about Edmodo, which was a "five days later" revisit of the original posting.

For what you seem to want to do, I'd recommend it. I don't know what grade you're teaching, but I wanted to use Ning and couldn't because students had to be at least 13 years of age.

Edmodo allows for lots of collaboration, but is not overly high maintenance for you, the teacher.

If you like the blogging idea, but hate the email requirement, check out Kevin Jarrettt's post about Kidblog; this may be the pltform you need.

Permalink Reply by Shaughn O'Neal on March 9, 2010 at 5:16pm

Thanks, Keith.

I have 2 questions for you:

1. Do you not have the student email issue with Edmodo?

2. I am confused about blogging. Can I not do all of this stuff in one place. Do I need to blog in one place, but link it to Edmodo or whatever I use?

Thanks for the help,
Shaughn

Permalink Reply by Shaughn O'Neal on March 9, 2010 at 5:19pm

Keith, I forgot to add I teach High School. Age isn't the problem, just other restrictions!

Permalink Reply by Keith Schoch on March 10, 2010 at 3:51pm

Your high schoolers will likely find Edmodo perhaps too easy, and they'll hate that they can't directly message each with out it being "public."

Students can enter their email addresses on Edmodo, but don't need to. Even though it's a totally closed and secure site, we use code names consisting of initials+periods+desk number. Trust me, they all know who they're talking with!

Permalink Reply by betty carle on March 10, 2010 at 1:27pm