Participate 1.1.2 Joining a Digital Learning Community

What is a DLC?/Which one did I chose?

A Digital Learning Community is an online "space" that connects people with shared interests and goals. It is a platform for its community members to share resources and experiences. I chose www.edmodo.com which is sometimes dubbed the "educational version of Facebook." This format piqued my interest since it mimics the number 1 social media outlet, Facebook, which students are familiar with, use and like.


What is the DLC like?

Edmodo has it all: file sharing via videos, chats and audio clips. It is real-time and has an app, so students can learn on the go! The versatility and ease that it offers educators to create surveys, quizzes that generate immediate feedback and allow multiple attempts, embed links to supplemental resources while displaying visual statistical graphics are unheralded. Beyond the information distribution channel for the educator to reach his students, the platform encourages the students to cooperate and collaborate. They can assist one another in error corrections helping both the "corrected" to get organic feedback if the teacher is otherwise engaged while cementing the "corrector's" knowledge base. Most importantly, learning becomes a truly shared experience among community members and isn't always "teacher-led."

What can Digital Citizens do to make the process of joining a DLC more appealing to and easier for students?

Digital Citizens (in this case teachers and students) can offer a list of hyperlinks to useful DLC's for their topic or subject. Depending on the need and complexity of the DLC, one or two can be integrated in the course while others are shared as optional supplements.