My school system has had an LMS for almost as long as I can remember. We began with Blackboard, but its use was neither clearly explained nor heavily encouraged. However, about 7 years ago, we switched to a new LMS called Angel. At that point, the view and focus of the system changed. There were numerous training sessions on how to use Angel with our classes. These sessions were held throughout the school year and offered multiple times, so that there was no excuse to not attend. Additionally, the county leaders shifted their motivation. Instead of telling teachers, “Here is a tool that you can use if you choose and if you are able to figure out how to use it,” we were told, “Here is our new LMS. It is called Angel. Here are the trainings you will attend and these are the dates by which you must meet the following implementation steps with each of your classes.”
Keeping this in mind, I have not experimented with many other online LMS tools. Because we are expected to use Angel for all of our classes, I had not even tried Edmodo prior to now, despite the system having set up accounts for all teachers to use with their classes. I believe strongly in streamlining information and processes, not duplicating them in multiple places.
Once I did experiment some with Edmodo and Classroom 2.0, I found that I had very differing opinions. I can see why students would be more attracted to Edmodo. Its landing page, so clearly based on that of Facebook, is engaging and streamlined. I appreciate being able to see all of my news and events on one page, in an easy to read format. Classroom 2.0, on the other hand, appeared to be too “busy” for my liking, with too much print in too small of a fon
Several years ago, Angel was purchased by Blackboard. They agreed to maintain the program for a limited number of years, at which point support would end. That time has come, and next year, we will transition to yet another LMS. This time, my system has chosen itsLearning, with access beginning for those of us in the pilot program next week. Having become quite proficient with Angel while still recognizing its weaknesses, I have high expectations. Having now experienced what other LMSs can do, such as Edmodo, those have been raised even higher. As I begin learning more about the system, I will share my findings.
Keeping this in mind, I have not experimented with many other online LMS tools. Because we are expected to use Angel for all of our classes, I had not even tried Edmodo prior to now, despite the system having set up accounts for all teachers to use with their classes. I believe strongly in streamlining information and processes, not duplicating them in multiple places.
Once I did experiment some with Edmodo and Classroom 2.0, I found that I had very differing opinions. I can see why students would be more attracted to Edmodo. Its landing page, so clearly based on that of Facebook, is engaging and streamlined. I appreciate being able to see all of my news and events on one page, in an easy to read format. Classroom 2.0, on the other hand, appeared to be too “busy” for my liking, with too much print in too small of a fon
Several years ago, Angel was purchased by Blackboard. They agreed to maintain the program for a limited number of years, at which point support would end. That time has come, and next year, we will transition to yet another LMS. This time, my system has chosen itsLearning, with access beginning for those of us in the pilot program next week. Having become quite proficient with Angel while still recognizing its weaknesses, I have high expectations. Having now experienced what other LMSs can do, such as Edmodo, those have been raised even higher. As I begin learning more about the system, I will share my findings.
RSS Feed
