Sessions /
Edmodo activities to engage reluctant L2 learners #1365

Many teachers find it challenging to engage reluctant EFL learners to communicate in English meaningfully and extensively in university classes for non-English majors, especially when the students are used to lecture-style learning and absorbing information quietly. In the case when classroom instruction is moved online, the challenge to engage students becomes amplified. To meet the needs of online classes, web-based learning platforms, such as Google classroom and Moodle, have become useful tools. Edmodo is one of these free-of-charge online services. Through Edmodo teachers can share information, distribute materials, assign and collect assignments digitally, as well as conducting and facilitating discussions through its unique small-group feature. Edmodo’s accessibility also makes it a “paperless” solution to supplement any face-to-face classroom. This session will start with a quick overview of Edmodo: what it is and how it can be used in a university classroom. Following, the presenter will share their experience using Edmodo in an English Oral Communications class for Early Childhood Education students. The presentation will highlight activities that can engage these reluctant English learners in real, meaningful communication online through the Edmodo platform.