Schoology is a Learning Management System (LMS), a classroom organization tool that has more to offer than the current tools we provide (eBackpack, Google Classroom, etc). An LMS provides a framework in which course content and resources can be organized and integrated with assessment and classroom management tools. If you've ever taken an online college course, you probably have used an LMS. Click here to learn more about Schoology.
Like eBackpack, Schoology integrates with PowerSchool. Teacher and student accounts and course enrollments are created automatically. All CCS teachers and administrators currently have access to Schoology. You may begin using it with your classes and students at any time. If you'd like to get started right away, simply point your browser to https://cozad.schoology.com. You log in the same way you log into PowerSchool and eBackpack, with the same username and password. You may also download the Schoology app for your iPad.
While getting started with Schoology is pretty simple and intuitive, there are several powerful features available for which we would like to provide training. Our strategy is to develop a cadre of teachers with enough experience and expertise to help others. This process will begin later this month, with Patty and one teacher being trained directly by Schoology. We will then focus our initial local training on 6 to 8 HS and MS teachers during Q3, finally offering both formal and informal training to all HS and MS staff (along with any elementary staff who are interested) by the start of Q4. Ideally, all interested teachers will be able to use Schoology for at least one class during Q4. If you are interested in being one of the "early adopters" please let us know!
If all goes well, Schoology will be replacing eBackpack. We have not made any decisions yet on when we might drop eBackpack, but we know for sure that eBackpack will remain available through the end of the 2015-16 school year.
