The introduction of a website has redefined the structure of classes at Carlmont and could be the beginning of a technological takeover of the campus.
Joseph Hill, a teacher of senior English classes, presented his students to Podio, a “collaborative work platform” as described by the site’s homepage.
Senior Erika Kubisch defined Podio as “a mix between turnitin.com and Facebook” while senior Laila Rafi said the website is “kind of like an academic Facebook.”
Kubisch and Rafi’s explanations seemed to sum up the site. Through Podio, Hill and students are allowed to post statuses, chat with each other, turn in assignments via web forms, participate in group discussions (online seminars) and keep up to date with daily assignments and lessons through a series of applications that Hill created.
Podio has helped students interact with each other in a workspace forum that is similar to Facebook’s arrangement. Although there have been some minor issues with the incorporation of the site in the classroom, Hill concluded the site’s managers are working constantly to keep Podio at its best.
Hill described the managers as “very customer service oriented. When their customers suggest an improvement, if it is within reason, they usually make it and fairly quickly. The things I found objectionable about Podio six months ago, they’re just not there anymore.”
Students have found Podio to be beneficial but also burdensome as Kubisch said, “I find it helpful for seminar discussions because we have over a week to do it and we can complete it on our time. However, for day to day assignments, it can be tedious to go on a website to find out what the homework is, especially if you are not good with computers.”
For students, the Podio workspace is free but the website was initially created for companies and employees, costing each member ten dollars each month. Podio offers each of its members a collaborative workspace in which group members can work together on projects and perform other work oriented tasks.
Hill recommends Podio to students for collaborative assignments, such as group projects and club organizations. Hill made a point to mention “all students at Carlmont have access to Podio through their Google Apps accounts.”
In previous years, Hill strived to find a way to give meaningful commentary on student essays in a timely manner while cutting back on paper usage. Podio has given him this opportunity.
Hill plans to continue using Podio is his classroom but understands that some students are struggling with the new technology. In the following weeks, Hill will be hosting “Podio tutorials” in which students can seek help from their peers and Hill himself. These meetings will be held during lunch and seventh period in A-4.
In the current technological age, Podio seems to be the first step toward a more tech-savvy Carlmont.
