Schoology is a K–12 learning management system developed by PowerSchool, a major player in educational technology solutions. Since its launch in 2009, Schoology has gained widespread adoption in both public and private schools for its user-friendly design, focus on collaboration, and integration with district-wide systems. It stands out for its balance of instructional tools, parent engagement, and administrative capabilities.
Developed by: Schoology, Inc., acquired by PowerSchool in 2019
Launched: 2009
Used in over 60,000 schools
Tailored for K–12 education
Offers both enterprise-level and free individual teacher accounts
Course Creation Tools: Educators have the ability to develop interactive courses that incorporate assignments, quizzes, discussions, multimedia albums, and organizational folders.
District/School-Level Resource Sharing: Educators can facilitate resource sharing through shared folders and collections at both the school and district levels.
Public Resource Library: This library houses a comprehensive global repository of teacher-created lessons and activities that educators can adapt for their own instructional purposes.
Curriculum Management: District leaders can design scope-and-sequence templates and distribute standardized curriculum materials to teachers.
Parent Accounts: Parents can access class updates, grades, calendars, and messages by creating linked accounts to their child.
Messaging and Notifications: Teachers can send direct messages and post updates. Parents and students receive email or app notifications.
Course Updates and Comments: Teachers post announcements and allow parents to comment (if enabled).
Mobile Access: Parent and student apps are available on Android and iOS, enabling easy access on the go.
Integrated Quizzes & Tests
Multiple Question Types: Offers a variety of question formats to cater to different learning styles.
Randomized Options: Ensures fairness and unpredictability in assessments.
Time Limits: Improves test completion time management.
Automatic Grading Options: Streamlines the grading process and reduces manual effort.
Rubric-Based Grading
Customizable Rubrics: Teachers can develop rubrics aligned with educational standards and apply them to written or project-based assessments.
Standard Alignment: Ensures that assessments are consistent with educational objectives.
Gradebook
Grade Weighting: Allows teachers to assign different weights to grades, enabling effective assessment of diverse learning outcomes.
Categorized Grading: Organizes grades into categories, facilitating easy comparison and analysis.
SIS System Integration: Seamlessly integrates with student information systems, enhancing data management and accessibility.
Feedback Tools
Direct Feedback: Teachers can provide comments, annotations, and audio/video feedback directly on student submissions, fostering constructive learning.
Immediate Feedback: Ensures timely feedback, enabling students to identify areas for improvement
Google Workspace and Microsoft 365: Seamless integration for Docs, Slides, Sheets, and OneDrive files.
Third-Party Tools: Supports LTI integrations with Nearpod, Edpuzzle, Turnitin, Khan Academy, and more.
Single Sign-On (SSO): Supports SSO through Google, Microsoft, and ClassLink.
SIS & Gradebook Syncing: Syncs with PowerSchool and other major SIS platforms.
Customized for K–12 educational environments
Powerful parent communication tools
Comprehensive assessment capabilities, including AMP
District-wide resource management
Seamless integration with EdTech platforms and SIS
Advanced features such as AMP are exclusively available in the paid enterprise version.
The interface may be overwhelming for younger students or individuals with limited technical expertise.
The free version offers limited customization options.
Occasional synchronization problems have been reported with certain SIS platforms.
References:
PowerSchool. (n.d.). K-12 assessment tools for schools and districts. PowerSchool. https://www.powerschool.com/blog/k-12-assessment/
PowerSchool. (n.d.). Schoology Learning: Learning management system (LMS). PowerSchool. https://www.powerschool.com/personalized-learning-cloud/schoology-learning/
PowerSchool. (2022, May 12). Introducing Schoology Learning [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKazjWoVUp8
Instructure. (2022, October 5). Canvas LMS overview [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqc1xE2H9Wg
Instructure. (2020, October 21). Canvas LMS for teachers: Course basics [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yUBG2IBSXw
PowerSchool. (2021, August 17). Schoology overview for teachers [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBXFaN1n7fI
Instructure. (2020, July 21). Canvas LMS: Parent observer account [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv_zbk81nCY