Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo utilizar a Tecnologia de Informação e Comunicação para o aprimoramento do ensino da disciplina de Biologia e analisar a funcionalidade e benefício da plataforma educacional social Edmodo no ensino de genética do sistema AB0 de grupos sanguíneos por discentes do 3º ano do Ensino Médio. As atividades foram realizadas com 121 discentes de uma escola técnica estadual do município de Cruzeiro/SP. A metodologia consistiu nos seguintes passos: I - Questionário: caracterizou-se o perfil dos discentes, II - Enquete: realizou-se uma sondagem a respeito do tema, III - Pré-teste: teste diagnóstico, IV - Sequência didática em 4 etapas: 1 - Explorando as ideias do texto, 2 - Aula expositiva dialogada, 3 - Prática de estudo e 4 - Determinando os grupos sanguíneos; e V - Pós-teste: avaliou-se o grau de letramento científico. Verificou-se com a pesquisa que os resultados fornecem parâmetros para a discussão sobre a aprendizagem de genética por alunos desta faixa etária, bem como apontam para uma melhor compreensão do sistema AB0 de grupos sanguíneos pelos alunos após da realização da sequência didática. / The aim of this research was to use Information and Communication Technology to improve the teaching of the Biology discipline and to analyze the functionality and benefits of the Edmodo social educational platform in the teaching of genetics of the AB0 system of blood groups by students of the 3rd year of High School . The activities were carried out with 121 students from a state technical school in the municipality of Cruzeiro/SP. The methodology consisted of the following steps: I - Questionnaire: the profile of the students was characterized, II - Poll: a survey was carried out on the subject, III - Pre-test: diagnostic test, IV - 1 - Exploring the ideas of the text, 2 - Lecture dialogues, 3 - Practice of study and 4 - Determining the blood groups; And V - Post-test: the degree of scientific literacy was evaluated. It was verified with the research that the results provide parameters for the discussion about the learning of genetics by students of this age group, as well as point to a better understanding of the AB0 system of blood groups by the students after the accomplishment of the didactic sequence.

Submitted by Andrea Pereira (andrea.pereira@unipampa.edu.br) on 2016-11-21T12:13:26Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Dissertação Cristinemar Vinholes.pdf: 6716328 bytes, checksum: cd13c893016f3c7f9d463b7383e3f629 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Andrea Pereira (andrea.pereira@unipampa.edu.br) on 2016-11-21T12:18:16Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Dissertação Cristinemar Vinholes.pdf: 6716328 bytes, checksum: cd13c893016f3c7f9d463b7383e3f629 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-11-21T12:18:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Dissertação Cristinemar Vinholes.pdf: 6716328 bytes, checksum: cd13c893016f3c7f9d463b7383e3f629 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-07-19 / Este estudo apresenta uma proposta metodológica alternativa para desenvolver o conteúdo das funções oxigenadas, através de uma Plataforma online. Pretende-se assim construir e implementar uma sequência didática que versa sobre as funções oxigenadas, buscando utilizar as ferramentas tecnológicas como aliada no processo de ensino aprendizagem. A plataforma Edmodo foi selecionada para possibilitar o ensino mais contextualizado das funções orgânicas oxigenadas. A plataforma Edmodo mostrou-se uma ferramenta facilitadora de novas aprendizagens no ensino de química. O presente estudo objetivou analisar o potencial da plataforma Edmodo como uma metodologia alternativa na aprendizagem das funções orgânicas oxigenadas. Como desdobramento do objetivo geral e por apresentarem um caráter mais concreto, elencamos os seguintes objetivos específicos: destacar a importância do uso de tecnologias de comunicação e informação na educação, descrever o aplicativo e sua aplicação no ensino, identificar as vantagens e desvantagens como uma metodologia alternativa e verificar a viabilidade da implementação da proposta em sala de aula, detectando pontos fortes e frágeis da mesma. Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida a partir de uma perspectiva descritiva, com caráter investigatório, numa abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa. Os recursos utilizados no decorrer da implementação da sequência didática buscaram problematizar o estudo de química orgânica e suas implicações no cotidiano. A plataforma Edmodo foi utilizada para potencializar o ensino da função oxigenada. No decorrer desta proposta pode-se perceber que a plataforma possibilitou que as aulas de química fossem mais atrativas, além de prolongar o tempo de estudo dos estudantes através das ferramentas da plataforma que permitem a postagem de materiais diversos que podem oportunizar um ensino mais ativo, em que os estudantes são protagonistas do processo de ensino aprendizagem. / This study presents an alternative methodological proposal to develop the content of oxygen function, through the online platform. The aim is to build and implement a didactic sequence that turns on the oxygen function, seeking to use the technological tools as an ally in the teaching and learning process. The Edmodo platform was selected to enable more contextualized teaching of organic functions oxigenadas. A Edmodo platform proved to be a facilitating tool for new learning in chemistry teaching. This study aimed to analyze the potential of Edmodo platform as an alternative methodology in learning oxygenated organic functions. As an extension of the general objective and present a more concrete character, we list the following specific objectives: highlight the importance of using information and communication technologies in education, describing the application and its application in teaching, identify the advantages and disadvantages as a methodology alternative and verify the feasibility of the implementation of the proposal in the classroom, identifying strengths and weaknesses of it. This research will be developed from a descriptive perspective, investigative character, a qualitative and quantitative approach. The resources used in the course of implementation of didactic sequence sought to problematize the study of organic chemistry and its implications in daily life. The Edmodo platform was used to enhance the teaching of oxygenated function. In the course of this proposal can be seen that the platform enabled the chemistry classes were more attractive, and extend the students' study time through the platform tools that allow posting of various materials that can create opportunities a more active teaching where students are protagonists of the teaching and learning process.

Submitted by Viviane Lima da Cunha (viviane@biblioteca.ufpb.br) on 2015-12-07T12:09:08Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2565159 bytes, checksum: c0642064c9971c0ff6ca6d49600eb39e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-07T12:09:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2565159 bytes, checksum: c0642064c9971c0ff6ca6d49600eb39e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-30 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / This study aims to present the results of an intervention in a classroom in order to reframe the teaching practice with the acquisition of digital literacy through the use by students of Edmodo digital tool. Characterized as a qualitative study, with descriptive and interventional character, was developed with students of the 7th year in a public school located in the neighborhood of Catingueira (Acacio Figueiredo) in Campina Grande-PB. To reach our goals, research is structured in the following stages: analysis and exploitation of Edmodo tool, setting the students to the platform interface, application didactic sequence and analysis of activities for investigation to favor practices of literacies among participating students. Data collection and the results achieved with the intervention led us to the introduction of new practices and that the incentive for writing a multiliterated perspective is valid, since activities are applied to permit access, analysis, production and socialization texts in different languages and still, that allow the student access to new conceptions of reading and analyzing texts. As a theoretical basis, we based on authors who talk about computer science, the relation between technology and education, literacy, multi literacy, digital literacy and assessing the feasibility of Edmodo social interaction platform, like Xavier et al (2011); Almeida et al (2000), Alves, Zambalde and Figueiredo (2004); Almeida and Fonseca Junior (2000); Sousa, Moita and Carvalho (2011); Coscarelli and Ribeiro (2011); Moreira and Caleffe (2008); Gabriel (2013); Bisognin (2009); Marcuschi (2008), and Shephered Salies (2013), Trjara (2008), Tanzi Neto (2013), Valente (1997). As the methodological procedures, an intervention through the application of a didactic sequence with cellular support the use was conducted for carrying out activities in the platform Edmodo. / O presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar os resultados de uma intervenção em sala de aula por meio da utilização, pelos alunos, da ferramenta digital Edmodo. Estudo de natureza qualitativa, com caráter descritivo e intervencionista, foi desenvolvido junto a alunos matriculados no 7º ano, em uma escola pública localizada na cidade de Campina Grande–PB. Quanto aos procedimentos metodológicos, foi realizada a aplicação de uma sequência didática, com uso do suporte celular, para o acesso de atividades disponibilizadas na plataforma Edmodo. A análise dos dados coletados nos levou a constatar que a inserção de novas práticas e o incentivo à escrita numa perspectiva multiletrada é válida, principalmente por possibilitar a leitura, a produção e a socialização de textos, em diferentes linguagens. Como base teórica, pautamo-nos em autores que discorrem sobre a relação entre tecnologia e educação, letramento, multiletramento e letramento digital, a exemplo de Xavier et al. (2011); Almeida et al. (2000), Alves, Zambalde e Figueiredo (2004); Almeida e Fonseca Júnior (2000); Sousa, Moita e Carvalho (2011); Coscarelli e Ribeiro (2011); Moreira e Caleffe (2008); Gabriel (2013); Bisognin (2009); Marcuschi (2008) ,Shephered e Saliés (2013), Tajra (2008), Tanzi Neto (2013), Valente (1997).

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo utilizar a Tecnologia de Informação e Comunicação para o aprimoramento do ensino da disciplina de Biologia e analisar a funcionalidade e benefício da plataforma educacional social Edmodo no ensino de genética do sistema AB0 de grupos sanguíneos por discentes do 3º ano do Ensino Médio. As atividades foram realizadas com 121 discentes de uma escola técnica estadual do município de Cruzeiro/SP. A metodologia consistiu nos seguintes passos: I - Questionário: caracterizou-se o perfil dos discentes, II - Enquete: realizou-se uma sondagem a respeito do tema, III - Pré-teste: teste diagnóstico, IV - Sequência didática em 4 etapas: 1 - Explorando as ideias do texto, 2 - Aula expositiva dialogada, 3 - Prática de estudo e 4 - Determinando os grupos sanguíneos; e V - Pós-teste: avaliou-se o grau de letramento científico. Verificou-se com a pesquisa que os resultados fornecem parâmetros para a discussão sobre a aprendizagem de genética por alunos desta faixa etária, bem como apontam para uma melhor compreensão do sistema AB0 de grupos sanguíneos pelos alunos após da realização da sequência didática. / The aim of this research was to use Information and Communication Technology to improve the teaching of the Biology discipline and to analyze the functionality and benefits of the Edmodo social educational platform in the teaching of genetics of the AB0 system of blood groups by students of the 3rd year of High School . The activities were carried out with 121 students from a state technical school in the municipality of Cruzeiro/SP. The methodology consisted of the following steps: I - Questionnaire: the profile of the students was characterized, II - Poll: a survey was carried out on the subject, III - Pre-test: diagnostic test, IV - 1 - Exploring the ideas of the text, 2 - Lecture dialogues, 3 - Practice of study and 4 - Determining the blood groups; And V - Post-test: the degree of scientific literacy was evaluated. It was verified with the research that the results provide parameters for the discussion about the learning of genetics by students of this age group, as well as point to a better understanding of the AB0 system of blood groups by the students after the accomplishment of the didactic sequence.

Submitted by Rosivalda Pereira (mrs.pereira@ufma.br) on 2017-05-23T19:47:33Z No. of bitstreams: 1 EvaldoMagnoPereira.pdf: 4670322 bytes, checksum: b3e3dd6d8fe204ab1dcec9dedefd600d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-23T19:47:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 EvaldoMagnoPereira.pdf: 4670322 bytes, checksum: b3e3dd6d8fe204ab1dcec9dedefd600d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-07-26 / This research concerns the teaching-learning process in Visual Arts, mediated by use of Edmodo, a virtual learning environment available from Internet. We have reported ethnographic study of pedagogical practice took as a reference point an experience of b-learning developed, with use of the digital resource, obtained in a school affiliated to the public network of Maranhão State with 242 highschool students. We have used as data collection instruments: participant observation, logbook, questionnaires and other methods. We have used questionnaires as data collection instruments. We have described: a) the features and pedagogical possibilities provided by that platform as a didactic asset; b) the elements which belong to the required profiled for contemporary educator and, in special, for the art educator dealing with digital native generation; c) the challenges faced by a teacher along his pedagogical practice, concerning the use of Information and Communication Technologies. We have discussed about the use of Web 2.0 tools as didactic assets, emphasizing the advantages and difficulties of virtual space utilization as an alternative to complement on line the process of teaching-learning in Visual Arts implemented in classroom. We have also analyzed the pedagogical possibilities of Edmodo as an alternative resource for teaching-learning in Visual Arts, dialoguing with the Triangular Approach and with theoretical schools of thought as well as with contemporary methodologies for learning process. We realized that VLE's use, along with other available resources in cyberspace, contributes in a substantial way to the improvement of teaching-learning process in Visual Arts. / A presente pesquisa aborda o processo de ensino-aprendizagem de Artes Visuais mediado pela utilização do Edmodo, um ambiente virtual de aprendizagem disponível na Internet. Relatamos estudo do tipo etnográfico da prática escolar tomando como referência experiências de ensino híbrido desenvolvidas, com a utilização do recurso digital, em uma escola da rede pública estadual do Maranhão com 242 alunos do Ensino Médio. Utilizamos como instrumentos de coleta de dados: observação participante, diário de bordo, questionários entre outros métodos. Descrevemos: a) as características e possibilidades pedagógicas que a plataforma oferece como recurso didático; b) os elementos que fazem parte do perfil exigido ao educador contemporâneo e, em especial, ao arte/educador que atua junto à geração dos nativos digitais; c) os desafios que o professor enfrenta em sua prática pedagógica, quanto ao uso das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação. Discutimos o uso de ferramentas da Web 2.0 como recursos didáticos, destacando as vantagens e dificuldades da utilização do espaço virtual como alternativa para complementar, on-line, o processo de ensino-aprendizagem em Artes Visuais realizado em sala de aula. Analisamos as possibilidades pedagógicas do Edmodo como recurso pedagógico para o ensino-aprendizagem em Artes Visuais, dialogando com a Abordagem Triangular e com correntes teóricas e metodologias contemporâneas utilizadas na aprendizagem. Constatamos que o uso do AVA, aliado a outros recursos disponíveis no ciberespaço, contribui para a busca da melhoria do processo de ensino-aprendizagem em Artes Visuais de forma significativa.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:02:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 6359.pdf: 4805524 bytes, checksum: 634b24494202be8973d08733ff4ec666 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-04-16 / The use of computers and the Internet has become necessary in all sectors of society, including the education sector. The Internet has changed our ways of teaching and learning, accessing information and communicating. In this context, we wanted to investigate the use of these resources as tools to assist the teacher in the teachinglearning process. We assess the pedagogical potential of the Social Learning Network Edmodo, which has layout and functionality similar to Facebook and virtual learning environments. Within Edmodo we worked mainly with messaging and Learning Objects related to Dynamics, in the Physics course of high school students. We investigated the potential use of learning objects through forums where students discussed problem situations involving these resources. We observed that the use of the Social Learning Network Edmodo helped the teaching-learning process, motivating students and allowing them to develop critical thinking, acquire new skills and deepen already learned concepts. Besides the research with the students, we also present our impressions regarding the feasibility of using this tool from the point of view of other teachers, who participated in short courses on Edmodo. / Atualmente, a utilização dos computadores e da Internet tornou-se necessária em todos os setores da sociedade, incluindo o setor educacional. A Internet tem mudado a maneira de ensinar e aprender, de acessar a informação e de comunicar-se. Neste sentido, pretendemos investigar o uso destes recursos como instrumentos que possam auxiliar o professor no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Avaliamos as potencialidades pedagógicas da Rede de Aprendizagem Social Edmodo, que possui um layout e funcionalidades semelhantes ao Facebook e ferramentas de ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem. No Edmodo, trabalhamos, principalmente, com troca de mensagens e com Objetos de Aprendizagem relacionados ao estudo da Dinâmica, na disciplina de Física com alunos do ensino médio. Investigamos a potencialidade do uso de Objetos de Aprendizagem por meio de fóruns, onde os alunos discutiam situações problemas que envolviam esses recursos. Pudemos verificar que o uso da Rede Social de Aprendizagem Edmodo auxiliou o processo de ensino-aprendizagem, motivando os alunos e permitindo que desenvolvessem o senso crítico, adquirissem novos conhecimentos e aprofundassem conceitos já aprendidos. Além da pesquisa realizada com os alunos, apresentamos, também, nossas impressões a respeito da viabilidade do uso dessa ferramenta segundo o olhar de outros professores que participaram de minicursos sobre o Edmodo.

Submitted by Automa??o e Estat?stica (sst@bczm.ufrn.br) on 2017-02-20T22:39:21Z No. of bitstreams: 1 JoaoBatistaNobregaBarbosa_DISSERT.pdf: 3093493 bytes, checksum: 6099473e8d7fb6655c247e0f8c062327 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Arlan Eloi Leite Silva (eloihistoriador@yahoo.com.br) on 2017-02-24T00:45:39Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 JoaoBatistaNobregaBarbosa_DISSERT.pdf: 3093493 bytes, checksum: 6099473e8d7fb6655c247e0f8c062327 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-24T00:45:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JoaoBatistaNobregaBarbosa_DISSERT.pdf: 3093493 bytes, checksum: 6099473e8d7fb6655c247e0f8c062327 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-06-29 / A tecnologia e seus variados aspectos se fazem cada vez mais presente no cotidiano de uma sociedade. Uma das principais caracter?sticas que o ser humano enquanto esp?cie desenvolveu ao longo da evolu??o ? a capacidade de comunicar-se. Como ?rea de conhecimento, as TICs (tecnologia da informa??o e comunica??o) t?m transformado a forma como nos relacionamos com as informa??es e a maneira como constru?mos o conhecimento. Diante de uma perspectiva transformadora a tecnologia tem sido utilizada com frequ?ncia no ambiente escolar. O desenvolvimento de ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem apresenta-se como ferramentas auxiliares ao professor no exerc?cio de sua profiss?o. Entretanto, as dificuldades imputadas ao professor ultrapassam a ideia de que os usos de tecnologias podem corrigir os erros do processo ensino-aprendizagem. No campo da Biologia, o alunado apresenta grande dificuldade em compreender os conceitos que exigem um entendimento a n?vel molecular e sua aplicabilidade no cotidiano, estas caracter?sticas conceituais podem ser identificadas dentro dos conte?dos da bioqu?mica. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida com alunos do Ensino m?dio de uma escola particular do munic?pio de Parnamirim no Rio Grande do Norte. A pesquisa tem como foco central, avaliar a contribui??o do uso da rede social educacional Edmodo no ensino de conceitos da bioqu?mica. Para atender aos objetivos propostos neste estudo, o percurso metodol?gico foi composto por quatro etapas desenvolvidas em sala de aula e no ambiente virtual de aprendizagem (EDMODO). Durante o percurso metodol?gico recorreu-se ao programa UCINET para an?lise da rede social e o MAXQDA para an?lise de conte?do. Os resultados indicam um baixo n?vel de compreens?o conceitual quando os conte?dos s?o abordados em sala de aula de maneira tradicional. Com a utiliza??o de ferramentas audiovisuais na forma de document?rios e as TICs na forma de ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem (EDMODO) o resultado do alunado mostrou-se positivo no entendimento conceitual e no desenvolvimento de novas habilidades s?cio cognitivas. As constru??es das rela??es sociais em ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem indicam novas perspectivas de avalia??o para o professor. As possibilidades do uso para melhoria do processo ensino-aprendizagem em especial na Biologia se mostram bastante promissores e com sub?reas ? serem exploradas, cabendo ao professor intermediar a constru??o de um ambiente prop?cio ? novas descobertas por parte do alunado. / The technology and its various aspects are made increasingly present in the daily life of a society. One of the main features that the human being as a species developed throughout evolution is the ability to communicate. As a field of knowledge, ICT (information and communication technology) have transformed the way we interact with information and how we build knowledge. Faced with a changing perspective technology has been used frequently in the school environment. The development of virtual learning environments is presented as an important tool to the teacher in the exercise of their profession. However, the difficulties attributed to the teacher beyond the idea that the uses of technology can correct the mistakes of the teaching-learning process. In the field of biology, the student body has great difficulty understanding the concepts that require an understanding at the molecular level and its application in daily life, these conceptual characteristics can be identified within the biochemical content. The research was conducted with students from high school to a private school in Parnamirim municipality in Rio Grande do Norte. The research has as its central focus, assess the contribution of the use of educational social network Edmodo in the teaching of biochemistry concepts. To meet the objectives proposed in this study, the methodological approach consisted of four stages developed in the classroom and virtual learning environment (Edmodo). The results indicate a low level of conceptual understanding when the contents are covered in the classroom in the traditional way. With the use of audiovisual tools in the form of documentaries and ICTs in the form of virtual learning environments (Edmodo) the result of the students was positive in the conceptual understanding and the development of new social cognitive skills. The construction of social relationships in virtual learning environments indicate new perspectives evaluation for the teacher. The possibilities of use for improvement in special education-learning process in biology appear quite promising and subareas to be explored, whereas the teacher mediate the construction of an environment conducive to new findings by the students.

abstract: ABSTRACT This study describes student interactions in the academic social network site Edmodo versus student interactions in Facebook. This qualitative case study relies upon four high school juniors enrolled in Advanced Placement Language and Composition who use Edmodo to complete assignments for their English class. Their experiences were gathered in an attempt to describe specific experiences in a complex system. Students were selected using an Internet Connectedness Index survey. Using a Virtual Community of Practice framework, students were asked about their experiences in Edmodo. This study concludes that Edmodo and Facebook can be compared in three categories: accessibility, functionality, and environment. Unlike Facebook, which students access regularly, students access Edmodo only to fulfill the teacher's participation expectations for the specific grade they wish to receive. Additionally, students appreciated the convenience of using Edmodo to complete assignments. The functionality of Edmodo is quite similar in layout and appearance to Facebook, yet students were unaware of the media sharing capability, wished for private messaging options, and desired the ability to tag peers for direct comment using the @ sign, all options that are available in Facebook. Students felt the environment in Edmodo could best be characterized as intellectual and academic, which some mentioned might best be used with honors or AP students. A surprising benefit of Edmodo is the lack of social cues enable students to feel free of judgment when composing writing. Some felt this allowed students to know their classmates better and share their true personae free from judgment of classmates. As a result of the case studies of four students, this study seeks to illustrate how students interact in Edmodo versus Facebook to provide a robust image of the academic social network site for teachers seeking to implement educational technology in their classes. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ed.D. Educational Administration and Supervision 2013

Southern U.S. teachers at suburban high schools can use Edmodo; however, teachers prefer traditional teacher-centered teaching methods. This quantitative correlative study explored teachers' technology acceptance in relation to teaching styles and experiences. Framing acceptance by Davis's technology acceptance model (TAM), research questions addressed the direct and moderating relationships between teaching style and the TAM variables related to using Edmodo and the direct and moderating relationships between teaching experiences and TAM variables. From 240 teachers at the high school, 45 completed an online survey (response rate of 18.75%). Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression analyzed data. TAM could be verified for the entire sample; however, no significant direct relationship between teaching style and the TAM variables was found. Teaching style moderated the relationships within the TAM; these were stronger for teachers with a teacher-centered teaching style. No significant direct relationship existed between teaching experiences and TAM variables; a moderating effect on the relationships existed within the TAM. Among experienced teachers, ease of use was the strongest acceptance predictor, whereas perceived use was the strongest predictor among less experienced teachers. Results indicated teachers might develop a more student-centered teaching style, thus concentrating on technology's ease of use, rather than its potential utility. A policy recommendation could ensure teachers efficiently used technology to support student-centered learning. The application of the recommended policies might lead to teachers' more effective use of instructional technology, which might affect student learning and motivation.

Although some middle school teachers integrate social media platforms into instruction, they generally use traditional and teacher-centered strategies rather than those that are innovative and student-centered. A gap exists in the literature on how teachers could use social media tools such as Edmodo to engage middle school students for innovative online collaboration. This qualitative case study explored the factors that contributed to the acceptance and use of Edmodo by middle school teachers in a Mid-Atlantic urban school district. Specifically, the research explored how teachers leveraged Edmodo to initiate and sustain networked collaboration with their students. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 model, sociocultural development theory, and connectivism supported the conceptual framework. A criterion selection process was used to select 6 middle school teachers as participants. Data sources included 6 semi structured interviews, a focus group of 3 educational technology leaders, and school district documents. Data were analyzed using a priori codes based on the literature review and conceptual framework. Themes that emerged from the analysis included the following: acceptance and use of Edmodo as a communication platform, increased support of students' organizational needs, enhancement of professional practice, initiation of networked collaboration, barriers and challenges in networked collaboration, and sustained networked collaboration. This research may contribute to positive social change by informing educational leaders and teachers on how to best leverage social media tools such as Edmodo in the middle school classroom to actively engage students in online collaboration, fostering a more student-centered learning environment.