Learning about Learning Management Systems

Have you ever heard of a Learning Management System (LMS)? If the names Edmodo, Schoology, or Google Classroom come to mind, then you probably have. Essentially an LMS is an application that allows teachers to administer and track courses.

Using all of these systems, you can give assignments, link to media, lead discussion questions, and give feedback on student work.

While all of the systems are similar, they do have some differences that might help you decide which one you would like to use in your classroom.

First of all, I will start with Google Classroom, which is something I have now. This is a really nice feature that Google has added, but you have to be a member of a school that has signed up for the Google Apps for education. For example, I have to sign in using my educator account, and all of my students have their own Google accounts tied to my school district.

I love how streamlined Google is, which you can see below. Here I have a document posted that I had my students download into Notability (an iPad app) so that we could use it in class.

You can get started with a Google Classroom by going here.

Click here for a great link describing some Google Classroom basics.

Another system that is really helpful is Edmodo. This site interface reminds me a little bit of Facebook, so it looks familiar. Students must each have their own accounts, but it is not necessary that your school be a member. Like Google, you can post assignments and set up discussions. However, what I like the most about Edmodo is that you can set up groups within your classroom. This instantly makes it easier to differentiate for your students. Additionally, Edmodo has a gradebook feature, and you can use it to do some pretty cool things in the classroom even in second grade.

Here is a screenshot of my Edmodo classroom for professional development. You can see that I have set up a discussion post for other students (educators in this case) to respond to.

Additionally, I have embedded a TED talk video so my students can view the video without leaving Edmodo.

If you are like me, I first felt overwhelmed by the idea of using some of these sites with my second graders. It is a learning curve, but they can do it! Here is a really good video explaining some different ways to use Edmodo in primary grades.

Finally, Schoology is another useful LMS. I find it to be most similar with Edmodo in its interface. Schoology does have a really great resource library and, like Edmodo, it has a gradebook feature. However, unlike Edmodo, it does not have the ability to make groups within your class. Go here to sign-up for a free Schoology account.

Overall, you will have to explore the various learning management systems to see which one is the best fit for your needs.