Parents and Students:

I have read various studies that have shown an increase in student motivation when technology was utilized in the classroom. I am continuing to incorporate technology in my classroom with online resources. So far this year, students have used my wiki site to interact with digital flashcards and a virtual field trip. I believe that these online tools can potentially improve instruction and learning. Technology is a motivating tool that can be helpful to all students. Thomas Edison wisely said, “The value of an idea lies in using it.” As a teacher, I strive to use whatever tools available to motivate my students toward classroom success.

Edmodo is another site that I would like for students to have available at school and at home. Edmodo.com is a secure, social learning platform for teachers, students, schools, and districts. They provide a safe and easy way for classes to connect and collaborate, share content, and access homework, grades, and school notices. Edmodo.com contains no apps, games, or advertisements.

Only those I invite may join my groups, and I am the sole person responsible for the content. This educational site is not meant for sharing personal information. Our class Edmodo pages will be for communicating information about assignments and posting interesting information beyond what can be shared in the classroom. Before a student can create an Edmodo account, they will need a 6-digit group code from me. Once they have their group code, they can visit Edmodo.com and select the “I’m a student” button. From here they can enter the group code, complete the registration form, and select “Sign-up”. Students are not required to enter an e-mail address to create an Edmodo account. All of my English – Language Arts classes will have separate group codes.

EXPECTATIONS:

1.  Edmodo is intended for educational purposes only. Any inappropriate content will be deleted. Students posting inappropriate content will be removed from the group for a period of one calendar month. Once reinstated, an additional occurrence will result in removal from the group for the remainder of the school year.

2.  Assignments can be posted by the teacher, and students have the ability to submit work to the teacher through Edmodo. Feedback can be provided by the teacher for this work, including a grade.

3.  Students are encouraged to post interesting findings, questions, etc. to the group. The site may also be used to check on work missed when absent, to ask questions about assignments, or to respond to Mr. Branch’s discussion board postings.

4.  As students respond to each other, comments should be positive. While opinions about literature selections are welcomed, negative comments about or toward others are unacceptable. Students should understand that abuse of these guidelines will be addressed through the Pitt County School’s Code of Conduct.

I agree to the above expectations, and I have reviewed the usage guidelines. I understand the consequences for misuse of Edmodo.

Student Signature:______Date:______

Parent Signature:______Date:______

Teacher: Mr. Branch , October 11, 2011 www.mrbranch.wikispaces.com