Two Learning Management Systems

A learning management system (LMS) can be used in any workplace.  However, I am discussing how it can be utilized by teachers.  In an LMS, you are able to deliver electronic educational technology to your students.  You are able to upload assignments and resources, track student's progress, communicate with parents and students, and collaborate with other colleagues by joining different groups.  Today, I am going to focus on two different types of learning management systems that are completely free: Edmodo and Schoology.

Edmodo 

Edmodo has a ton of features that are similar to Google Classroom.  In Edmodo, teachers can upload assignments directly from their Google Drive.  Teachers can also provide students with immediate feedback.  In Edmodo, there's a gradebook that teachers can use.  Teachers can create folders with resources for students to use.  They can also create quizzes and polls.  Edmodo offers a new wellness poll that allows students to privately share how they're feeling for the day.  Most importantly, Edmodo offers parents access to the class.  When students join Emodo, they are given a parent code to share with their parents.  This allows parents to check the gradebook and view how their child is progressing.  Besides creating a class for your students, teachers can also create groups.  In these groups, they can share resources and collaborate with other educators from around the world.  There are popular hashtags that teachers can use to find other groups.  Overall, Edmodo provides collaboration among students and other teachers.  I listed a basic tutorial for teachers down below that will help you set up your account.

Schoology

Schoology is another LMS that I absolutely love.  I find it to be very user-friendly when creating a course.  Like Edmodo, parents also have access to Schoology and can view their child's progress.  In Schoology, teachers can add a variety of materials including quizzes, discussions, folders, pages, media albums, files, and links.  A feature that distinguishes Schoology from Edmodo is teachers can give their students badges in Schoology.  Students can be given badges for leadership, attendance, having a positive attitude, and much more.  Teachers can even make their own badges!  Also, teachers are able to add their own learning objectives or common core stated standards when creating assignments.  Finally, groups can also be created, so teachers can share resources or best practices.  Administrators can even create a school page.  Listed below is an overview of Schoology.

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with either LMS.  It's up to you and your own personal preference.  My suggestion is to create a class or group at each site and compare the features.  Find the one that works best for you.  Finally, I found an article that provides even more information than I possibly could.  This article explains both the plus sides and the setbacks for each system along with Google Classroom.  Here is the link: Schoology vs Edmodo vs Google Classroom – 3 Education LMS Comparison