Schoology – Social Course Management
As we are exploring learning management systems this week, I thought I’d share a tool I recently came across that presents some interesting opportunities and takes a social approach to course management… Schoology.com
Schoology boasts to be a fully managed and hosted course management system with an integrated social network for K-12 and Higher Education. I took advantage of their limited time offer for teachers and professors and signed-up for a free account. As soon as I get the chance, I look forward to giving the system a try.
As you select a LMS to review for your ELT assignment this week, you may want to consider reviewing Schoology. If anyone is interested in actually logging into the system as a student and trying it out, let me know and I can create a course and provide you access as a student.
November 14th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Hello Dr. J…
This looks interesting. It looks like a SaaS/Cloud full-service solution versus a licensed product. Most likely a pay per student model. These models are not likely adopted for non-profit, higher ed. The K-12 market uses this model more frequently.
I like the capability to have an individual subscription, however I am assuming each student would also have to pay $10 to access an instructors courses.
I am curious if at NIU instructors can make an individual decision on an LMS (like Schoology) or is Bb mandated? This would also be a manual registration process if used on an individual basis versus SIS integration. Is there an issue with student data that resides outside of the Bb system? These LMS decisions are often taken outside of the hands of the educators; is there ever academic freedom pushback…or was this “battle” over a long time ago?
Liz
November 14th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Liz,
Technically, NIU instructors can use whatever system they want and are not obligated to use of Blackboard. That said, instructors are cautioned against using a non-NIU supported system for the exact issues you alluded to (student data residing outside NIU systems, single sign-on, etc.
There are always educators who seek to invoke their academic freedom in using whatever tool they wish. However, the overwhelming majority of NIU faculty generally stick with systems that are supported and endorsed by the institution.
Dr. J
November 15th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Dr. J,
I would like to explore this LMS as a student. Thanks, Sandy Crowe
November 15th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Sandy – I added you as a student to a sample course in schoology. You should have received an email to confirm your account. Anyone else wanting an account, just leave a comment here and I’ll add you. ~ Dr. J