Technology has a place in the classroom and used effectively, technology can increase student engagement and improved teacher efficiency. Here is a video about the top ten reasons to use technology in education:
Edmodo? Schoology? Eenie meenie minie mo.
Which one do you pick/prefer/use?
At WCS, we have options for our platform to distribute materials electronically to students: Google Classroom, eBackpack, PowerSchool and Moodle. All are available and the school supports whichever one a teacher chooses to use. It's flexible that way, which I appreciate. I have used a Google Forms with the Flubaroo Add On to quickly grade an assessment and provide feedback to students. I post homework on a Google Sites, and I have begun to post resources for each unit there as well. PowerSchool is used to record grades, and it also provides a mechanism of communication with parents. I assign and collect much homework through eBackpack, which is linked to PowerSchool (which I love!). Although I use Moodle with my Baker U graduate classes, I do not implement that platform at all in my classroom (although the other chemistry teacher does).
So, suffice it to say, I think WCS has provided us ample opportunity to choose which platform each teacher likes best. And, different teachers prefer different platforms ... and our school is ok with that ... and our students can manage that as well.
This week, I was introduced to Schoology and Edmodo. I had heard of Edmodo long ago, but again - I didn't have a need for the bells and whistles it offered. I had never heard of Schoology until this week. As I played and interacted with each, I found that I gravitated toward Schoology, enticed by its ability to grade assessments. Convenience is a big factor in my choosing to use something. I am happy to use Google Forms now, simply because of the Flubaroo Add On. If only grades could migrate to PowerSchool on their own from a Google Forms results page!
Anyways, I digress.
I've been asked to make a comparison of the two platforms based on my limited exposure to both. So while I do not expect that either is something that will become commonplace in my world, there are a couple of functions that I like of each – and I may sporadically incorporate its use into my classroom.
(1) Edmodo Spotlight: I love having educational apps available with a simple search function that sorts by grade level and discipline. I have bookmarked this (oh, I should add it to diigo too, huh?!?) and will use it as a resource for technology support for specific topics.
(2) Schoology’s discussion boards: I love the idea of being able to filter comment using a “filter by” tool. To be able to easily see which students are actively participating in a discussion board would simplify the act of using that as an assessment grade. My method of doing this now is rather archaic and time consuming.
Honestly, there isn’t one (Edmodo or Schoology) that is a “must have” feature for me, although I see value for both. If I didn’t already have the programs available to me at WCS, I would probably lean toward Schoology for the assessment grading capabilities and the collaborative discussions. I like that both allow you to post resources, communicate with parents, and organizes assignments.
What I do like about both is the ability to make announcements. I have a “Did you know” section on my website, but I think the way this shows up on both Edmodo and Schoology is better than on my website.
Interested in learning about either? Check out these videos:
- An introduction to Schoology with a message from its CEO
- Some reasons why you should incorporate Schoology into your classroom
- A quick overview of some features of Edmodo
- Some reasons why you should incorporate Edmodo into your classroom
If you try these out, post a comment and let me know what you like about whichever one you choose!
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