Social Learning Platforms

Or whatever they're called. Websites and services used by teachers to coordinate learning outside the classroom. I know Edmodo is one, but I don't know how it works and would kinda like a leg up in understanding before diving and trying to make it work. So, any opinions? About Edmodo? Others?

Reason I ask is this coming semester I'll be starting a new series of classes that in theory will be more professionally focused. They might end up being my signature course. They might also have a lot of trouble with textbooks and homework. I'll be wanting to hand out material (to take the place of the textbook the students won't have) and to assign, grade, and return homework (God help me) every other week. Maybe other stuff I don't know about yet too.

So, aside from the chalkboard, what's your preferred platform?

I know Edmodo is one, but I don't know how it works and would kinda like a leg up in understanding before diving and trying to make it work.

http://raoulschinasaloon.com/index.php?topic=7197.0

Read the whole thread from start to finish.

Wechat is also useful for the classroom. Everyone has it mad you can send out files and notes over it by putting students in a group...

You can also use it as a microphone if you're ambitious..

I am suspicious of social media. It is messy and ephemeral. And way too public. And therefore subject to way too many social pressures that I don't understand. The investment seems like it would pay off only in the short term.

 

Schoolology is very similar to edmodo. They offer a free package for educators. https://www.schoology.com/learning-management-system.php#basic

Dave Jackson introduced my coaching group to http://www.yuku.com but then abandoned it. I believe he had a problem on his end of the program, but I don't know the specifics.

He wound up teaching the class on https://www4.gotomeeting.com/m/g2msem3.tmpl?Portal=www.gotomeeting.com&c_name=msns&c_mark=NAPPC&c_kwd=go_to_meeting_com-Broad&c_prod=GTM&c_cmp=sf-70150000000ZPrK&c_cell=bEInhkX1-dc_pcrid_1582056314 but that is a subscription service.

Google Plus and Google Hang Outs are platforms that are popular with many professionals. I think both are blocked in China. However, if you are interested in learning more, Ronnie Bincher is the go to guy in that community. http://www.thehangouthelper.com and Ryan Handly offers a free short course on getting the most out of Google Plus. http://www.ryanhanley.com

Edit: I found some interesting alternatives. Some are free, some aren't. The only one I've heard of on this list is Moodle. 
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/02/seven-free-platforms-for-teaching.html#.UuwhoHddU9A

ClassDojo looks pretty good for classroom management/ behaviour. Thinking of testing it out this term!

I've used Class Dojo before. The problem in China was that it was a bit spotty. Maybe your province will be better, but Chengdu was going through some political unrest towards the end of my time there, but when it worked, it really motivated the students.

One problem I had was that they would be so busy staring at their little avatars on the screen they would be off task. The way I worked around that was to turn the screen off and leave the little chime on, so they would know when someone earned a point, but they didn't know who. That trick created a sense of anticipation and competition which helped keep them focused. At the end of class, I would reveal the avatars to see who earned points in which category.

Stumbled across another one, that was recommended by a LinkedIn member. http://www.easyclass.com
Looks promising. Is it blocked in China?

Edit: This one is more geared toward businesses, but it's free for up to 12 people.
http://www.igloosoftware.com/solutions/why_igloo