Founded in the late 2008 by Nicolas Borg and Jeff O’Hara, Edmodo has evolved as the world’s largest social learning network, connecting about 80,000 schools and over 7.5 million students, teachers and parents.
According to the founders, the idea of launching something like Edmodo crossed their minds while they worked at two different schools in Chicago area. They teamed up to develop a secure place that could enable students, teachers as well as parents to connect and collaborate, share content and educational applications, access homework and other tasks, discuss classroom activities, and alert each other in case of exam dates or any event.
Jeff O’Hara
How Edmodo works?
Edmodo is a private micro-blogging platform with hundreds of features. Its user interface seems pretty similar to Facebook and twitter (social networking, status updates, notifications etc.). However, it uses sign up codes that are unique to every class and school, preventing outsiders from joining the network. This is one of many reasons why Edmodo is considered safe for school students.
Nicolas Borg
Its easy-to-use design and navigation features enable users to use the site without prior training. Students use it to check grades, assignments, write posts (messages, micro-blogs and notes) to fellow classmates, teachers, and parents; whereas, teachers use it to assign homework and other group activities to students. Once students submit their homework/assignments, teachers post their grades, comments and suggestions. It not only saves time but creates a brand new learning experience. In addition, teachers can use Edmodo to create “teachers’ lounge” where the teachers of a school can exchange ideas and discuss class activities. Edmodo can also be accessed on Android and iOS powered Smartphones, making learning an ‘anytime and anyplace phenomena’.
Awards and Recognition
Edmodo has been featured of several renowned magazines and TV channels for promoting education in a safe and easy way. In May 2012, the Time Magazine called it one of the best social networks for kids under 13. In March 2012, the Fast Company called it A “Facebook For Schools” .
Edmodo has been frequently mentioned in Tech Crunch, Business Wire, Hack Education, The Sun News, Fast Company, Education Week and many more. In 2012, it received the Webby Award under Mobile Education & Reference category. In 2011, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) awarded it for being one the Best Websites For Teaching And Learning.
