Tools for Blended Learning

Note: With all of these products, teachers should look into the copyright on the materials uploaded, and should ensure that the privacy settings on the programs adhere to classroom and school policies. These three technologies, while beneficial when used correctly, do involve uploading personal content to the internet and as such teachers should fully research their policies before using them.

Schoology:

PROS:

• Parents and students can access the website from any device with internet, so parents can stay informed about student work and key dates. Parents can also see what their students are learning on a daily basis (depending on how frequently the teacher updates the page).
• Teachers can post assignments and notes for all students to access.
• Students and teachers are able to converse through Schoology, and teachers can provide comments/feedback for students. This allows for the option of class discussions.
• Students can use the same platform for multiple courses. They do not have to login to different accounts to view different classes.

CONS:

• It is harder to differentiate lessons for students unless you assign them to separate classes (i.e. you cannot post an assignment just for a group of select students). 
• The system can be harder than others for teachers and students to learn if they are not technologically literate. It can be harder to learn as it is more complicated.
• The basics are free, but if you want a more specialized platform, you will need to purchase it.

Three Ring:

PROS:

• Students can select the evidence which they feel best meets the expectations of the teacher, thereby allowing for differentiation particularly for those students with special needs or abilities. 
• Teachers can provide instantaneous feedback to students from any device. This means that teachers do not need to print off student work (more environmentally friendly). Teachers can also access the student work from any location (which allows them to easily take marking home).
• The software can be used on many different devices.
• Allows students to develop a virtual portfolio of their work.
• It is free!

CONS:

• Requires students/teachers to have a device to upload the material and the app (must have the internet).
• Some reviewers have suggested that the interface is complicated to use, and the settings can be hard to find/change. 
• Hard to organize the files once uploaded. Can be hard to find assignments and assign them to individual students. 
• The system can be hard for teachers and students to learn if they are not technologically literate.

Google Classroom:

PROS:

• Students can submit their work online (more environmentally friendly), and teachers can instantly see who has completed their work.
• Teachers can upload all of their class files so that students can print off notes and assignments, particularly for those who are absent.
• Teachers can also grade student work and provide feedback for individual students. 
• Students can monitor their progress in the course and have access to a calendar with due dates (if set up).
• Students can also have discussions with one another using the stream feature.
• The software is free!

CONS:

• It has been speculated that Google was using student data to target their advertising. (https://scooled.wordpress.com/2014/08/28/using-google-classroom-the-pros-and-cons/)
• Requires students to have a computer (most schools do not have enough computers for each class and student to be using one).
• The system can be harder than others for teachers and students to learn if they are not technologically literate.