Potential of Edmodo – an Educational Social Network Sites (ESNS) in Biology Classroom

Biological knowledge is placing its importance in advance among the sciences nowadays. Hence, as new technological devices along with its new trend in information technologies, the educators’ responsibilities have changed vastly as to ensure that they are dated in the content matter, method and technological devices. This study investigates the impact of Educational Social Network Sites (ESNS) via Edmodo in promoting active engagement integrated subject matter learning and evaluating the challenges in using Edmodo in Biology and the identification of ideas generated based on using Edmodo in Biology. It was conducted at a public university in Perak district at Malaysia. The participants were 74 Diploma students who were registered in Biology code; all was taken for the analysis as they fall under the Edmodo users. Students were exposed to the traditional class and Edmodo for thirteen weeks. A research designed survey with a 5-point Likert scales ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree and an open-ended question was administered. The findings of this work through the analysis showed that integrating Edmodo promotes active engagement and it was supported by appropriate subject matter learning. They were reported to rate perceived ease of use and agreed on statement of Edmodo was easy to handle, user friendly and manageable site. In addition, 6 distinct themes were found on the ideas of using Edmodo for Biology. These include Easy to use, Motivation, Create awareness, Materials availability, Improvisation of resource tools and Improve facility. Although there were some challenges reported in the integration of Edmodo, it apparent to have significant potential benefits for generating more positive effects towards learning Biology.