Edmodo

With the shift in education and the rise of online learning, many teachers and school districts have begun using online learning management systems.  Some well-known LMSs are Blackboard and Moodle.  But, there is a free LMS out there and it is called Edmodo.  This is a definite cost-effective way of integrating online learning without the expensive of Blackboard or Moodle system.  It looks very similar to Facebook, so the learning curve for teachers and students is very low.  As a district, you can sign up for a district domain.  The administrator of the domain has access to see all teachers and students enrolled in the system.  Student sign themselves up (with a teacher code) so the teachers don't have to type every student into the system.  Once a student is signed up with one teacher, they can join other teacher's classes by entering more teacher codes.  Students can upload their assignments to Edmodo for the teacher to view and grade. There is even a gradebook component in Edmodo.  Teachers can create a library in Edmodo with files like assignments, PowerPoint presentations, etc.  Then, through posts, the teacher can attach files from the library or upload new files.  Teachers can also link to other sites that the they want the students to view.  Inside Edmodo there are communities that you can join and have your students join.  There's also an app that students and teachers can download for easy access to Edmodo (this is especially good for bring your own device schools).  Teachers can also award "badges" for achievement to keep the students motivated.  This is a wonderful tool for teachers to use, and don't forget, it's absolutely FREE!  Gotta love free!!