PEDAGOGICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF ’EDMODO’ AS A SUPPLEMENTARY TOOL FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING ENGLISH

Abstract

In keeping with the increasing technology in the world, educators currently tend to incorporate web 2.0 technologies into the process of teaching and learning to create an advanced and engaged learning experience for learners. The adoption of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is already being used in the western world with successful and practical results which also lead to more innovative pedagogical practices. Currently, at the Sri Lankan tertiary level, there is a growing demand for the incorporation of e-learning under the new trend of blended Learning Management System (LMS). Edmodo is a free, online platform including multiple features, used by educators and learners towards an efficient learning experience. This study was conducted to investigate the pedagogical effectiveness of employing Edmodo as a supplementary tool for teaching English as a Secong Language (ESL). The study is significant due to the absence of previous studies done to evaluate the use of Edmodo in the Sri Lankan context. Data were collected through a mixed method research paradigm. Fifty ESL undergraduates of University of Kelaniya were selected as the sample to collect data through questionnaires while five interviews with lecturers who use Edmodo were conducted to gather data. The findings revealed that Edmodo was benificial in giving assignments, sharing additional exercises, links, etc. while encouraging and motivating the undergraduates to learn English through an innovative method. Some challenges in incorporating Edmodo were also identified. Nevertheless, the study suggests that Edmodo can be further used to carry out advanced activities in its digital space such as discussions, collaborative tasks, grading and gathering student feedback.