Schoology: The One Stop LMS
July 18, 2017
Schoology: The One Stop LMS
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Schoology
I currently work at an educational service unit in Nebraska. We serve 32 mostly rural schools via on-site training, workshops, and online modules. We currently use Schoology to deliver materials via courses, share updates and network via groups, and provide support for our schools who use Schoology as their LMS. Prior to this role, I used Schoology for four years in my 7-12 ELA classroom. In both instances, Schoology has been an extremely valuable resource!
- When I provide training to new Schoology users, I like to say that it is a love child between Blackboard and Facebook, meaning that the Schoology interface is intuitive and easy to use. Students love the fact they can "like" other responses and teachers appreciate the ease of use for creating courses and adding materials.
- Schoology also has very active users that are constantly sharing best practices and collaboratively problem solving via the "Groups" feature. I appreciate that I can pose a question when I have an issue and get a quick response. This fast turn around keeps users happy and creates an amazing PLN around specific topics.
- Finally, Schoology is always evolving based on user needs and requests. I am looking forward to the G-Suite integration as well as the new Assessment Management Platform (AMP)!
- I do struggle with formatting when creating discussion boards. Changing text and resizing images can be difficult with the current text editor. It works, but sometimes it's not the prettiest!
- Some of the advanced features (linking sections, Mastery, etc) are often difficult for some users. While I appreciate these features, making them more user friendly would grant more access to users who aren't as tech savvy.
- Schoology helps my organization work towards our missing of "We invest in YOU!" Without Schoology, we would lack follow up with our on-site and workshop participants. Schoology allows us to provide follow up materials and support. Without it, our impact on our stakeholders would not be as strong.
I've either been a student or teacher in each of the products listed above. Schoology is, by far, the easiest yet most comprehensive platform. While several of the products have similar features, the layout, look, and navigation within Schoology create the best user experience. You don't have to know basic html or code to create content, and the social media feel makes it attractive for students.