LMS- Schoology -noun 1.) the study of making school accessible

So I just want to start this post by saying two things; if this decision that I am faced with was based solely on what I want out of an LMS, this application would win hands down, and as far as my administration goes, I think there are a few features that may just help to sell this one over as well, but I will explain in just a minute.

So in terms of sign up and start, Schoology has a quick and direct process.  Much like Edmodo, when you initially sign-up to use Schoology you are then prompted to create a profile and have the access to the basic layout of the appllication.  You are able to add a photograph of yourself and adjust your privacy settings.  In terms of security and privacy I am quite impressed with their commitment to the issues.  When you set up your account you are then asked what district you work for and in order to verify your account, Schoology sends an email to your school email address, which you then have to respond to.  In order for your students to join your courses, similar to Edmodo, you as the teacher need to provide them with an access code.  

Although these features are wonderful for the end result of using this tool in the classroom, it did make it a bit difficult for me to full experiment and review this tool as I do not yet have access to my district email.  Other features however that I do truly like about Schoology is that they provide the ability for the teacher and student to create and keep current separate calendars for the school, course, group and individual.  For me this is important, as my goal is to promote independence and acquisition of self-help and self-assessment in terms of organization and study skills. 

So once I am verified I will be able to create courses, invite students, upload files and links.  Another major benefit of this tool over others is the blog space.  As I intend to encourage my students to use blogging to express their ideas, concerns, confusions, thoughts and such about the subjects we will be exploring, with the other application I was going to have to link in to another application to allow this.  Here I am able to do this right on the spot. 

 

All in all, although I was a bit frustrated with the security issue, I do appreciate it and think that my administration will as well.  I also like that Schoology has already thought of a way to allow parents access to their children’s course work and that they go beyond just the simple grading feature which I discussed in my last post.  After you have graded students’ work, Schoology provides analytic breakdown of the data.  Again this is another feature that I think administration will come to truly appreciate.  

I have found in the past that whenever you can support your work with visual representations, the work becomes that much more meaningful.  So as much as I would like to say 100% that this is the app. I am going with, without full access I can dive in wholeheartedly.  I feel like this will be best for my students, myself, administration and parents.  But I am still up in the air.  So please weigh in, if you have experience, thoughts or feedback, now would be the time to throw in your two cents!

BP10 Comment to Kevin

Follow the following LINK to see my comments to Kevin about the web 2.0 tool Soundation.

BP9 Comments to Elizabeth

Taking the opportunity to post some of my paintings!

Click on the LINK to see my discussion with Elizabeth about the web 2.0 tool Quizlet found at this LINK.  Great tool for any educator!

BP4 Web 2.0 Tool- Mind42

Okay, so like a little child in a candy shop, I am so excited.  Most people in most business who have ever sat in a corporate boardroom or in a classroom have probably come across some form of visual brainstorming.  Well, I have found an application that amps up any brainstorm or mind mapping that I have ever seen by a thousand times.  Mind42 allows you to not only visualize the links between ideas, but also allows you to do this collaboratively in real time.  Whether you are working with a partner, a group or the entirety of the world wide web, Mind42 makes collaboration so effective.  If that was all this tool did, it would still be fabulous due to its approachability in terms of the visual aspects like bubbles, colors and maneuverability of the screen and links you are currently working on.

Add Notes to Any Mind Map
image retrieved from http://mind42.com/ on August 12, 2010

But no folks, the people behind Mind42 go ten steps further.  As a teacher overseeing your students’ minds working together, you have the ability to add notes and give feedback or suggestions to critique or guide them.  As a collaborator you can add links with a visual preview of what will be found on the other end, which allows an initial brainstorm to evolve into a well developed, supportable and integrated project.  And as if that isn’t enough you are also able to insert visuals, icons and/or pictures to attract or support even more learning styles.

Having all the perks at your fingertips is an understatement.  Mind42 has the ease of click-drag-drop.  The flexibility to adjust, reformat and move your ideas around is almost as quick and easy as they occur from your synapses to your mouth our hand.  And as your account is free, it is also accessible anywhere at any time.  With concerns for privacy, you have the ability to make your maps private or published.

Add Links and/or Visuals to any Mind Map
image retrieved from http://mind42.com/ on August 12, 2010

I can easily see this being used as an initial introduction to an idea with a class, and then expanded or developed as an independent or small group assignment for home.  Students could then use their map as a visual support to present to larger groups.  Knowing what we do about the benefits and attributes of Flickr, being able to combine the benefits of both, lessons and learning is infinitely expanded.  I am envisioning creating image only mind maps, providing students with the topic and allowing them to find or create the connections.  Perhaps the opposite would be beneficial as well, provide the main ideas and allowing students to find supporting links and images.  This will encourage research and exploration of topics.  I am jumping up and down as I am about to share the next idea I have.  By introducing a topic over the first day or so of a unit, you provide students with the base knowledge or activate knowledge they may already have.  You can then send the students home independently to expand research and create their individual mind maps.  When they return to class you not only have the ability to assess where each students strength, weaknesses, and styles are, but you can then click, drag and drop their maps together to combine and create one overall completed piece of work. 

Good example of personal use for Mind42 comparing used vehicles
image retrieved from http://mind42.com/ on August 12, 2010

I know this is just the tip of the iceberg.  As teachers, trainers or any collaborating individual, this application is indispensible.  Mind42 is not only something you should give a “drive-by”, you should really take it for a test drive.  If you are anything like me, I am sure you have several if not millions of thoughts going through your head at one time.  This is a place where organization, clarity, connection and collaboration can do nothing but benefit all.

BP3 Web 2.0 Tool- GroupTable

Group Table

This is essentially a great place to have students work together on group assignments or study groups.  You can upload and share documents, collaborate, etc.  Group Table gives you a tab called Binder to organize this portion. As a teacher you can create several different classes and groups and then organize the students’ work all in one place.  This allows students to come together in one place to discuss and collaborate on a given topic or assignment.  The ‘classes’ portion of this tool refers to the school that you write in when you register, so if this is a tool you would be using for your school, you would probably want to register your school so that the students could easily access your classes and/or groups. As a teacher, you can create surveys or tests and quizzes, which you can post to the group.

As with most of these tools, you enter in your profile information, which is shared with your groups and classes.  You then have the ability to track and follow several groups, which you are a part of.  There is also an agenda feature, which allows you to plan together and create a working agenda so that each member can be responsible and accountable.

I can definitely see myself using this, as I will be putting more emphasis on group work and collaboration in the upcoming year and was concerned with how to organize and promote good team-work skills.