BP2_Schoology

Web 2.0 tools for teachers...there are so many! I am amazed at the variety of free Web 2.0 tools available for teachers and students.  I am excited about learning to use and introducing some of the tools to my students.  Schoology is one of these tools.  It is an LMS (Learning Management System) that allows teachers to create an online classroom with the look and feel of a social network.  It is similar to Moodle, and Blackboard, in that it provides teachers with a website where they can post assignments and course material for their students.  It also allows students, and teachers to collaborate and discuss information in an easy to use format.  Because students can access the portal from home, it also benefits students that may be absent from class for extended periods of time.  Within the online classroom teachers can create, edit and share academic material such as tests, quizzes, assignments, homework, discussion boards, projects and grades that can be completed within the portal or printed and brought in to class.  The site also hosts a digital drop box where students can turn in their assignments, and a message feature which allows students to communicate with their classmates and their teachers.

 When I first discovered Schoology I knew it would be a great tool to use with my students.  It offered me the look and feel of an online classroom, and gave my students the "facebook" feel.  My students were excited o set up their profiles and upload their pictures.  They also liked the possibility of having their syllabus, course materials, and access to their classmates in one convenient location.

Schoology also provides teachers with an online grade book where teachers can track and record student grades and attendance.  Parents can also access the digital classroom with a special access code.  With this access code they can check the progress, grades, and online activity of their children.  

I am planning to use Schoology with my test class while completing my CBR project.  I realize that technology is an important aspect in the lives of my students.  Research says that incorporating technology offers great benefits to students.  I would like to see if this is the case.  Schoology with help me to extend my classroom to the home environments of my students, and it will also be great for my students that are more self directed.  Maintaining this digital classroom environment will be a major part of my CBR project. Through Schoology I will be collecting evidence related to student involvement, engagement, productivity, learning, peer to peer collaboration, and parent/teacher collaboration.