Getting schooled on Schoology

Getting schooled on Schoology
by Bryant Knapp, Summit Lakes Middle School
www.schoology.com

Wouldn't it be nice to have a simple and quick way to grade playing tests? Making tasks simpler is not likely how technology is perceived by teachers. As I sat in a summer class where Schoology was introduced as the next technology push, I thought "I just started to get used to Google Classroom, I am not doing this again!" This ever changing platform environment can leave your head spinning because of the time invested to create the content, but Schoology provides some unique stand out features that produce positive changes in your ensembles. But, there are so many tools that can do the same tasks, is Schoology really worth your precious time?

In a word, yes. A topic constantly discussed between directors is that of assessments. For larger class sizes, especially with only one teacher, playing tests are a significant investment of class time. Also, an unruly pile of rubrics to keep track of and put in the grade book clutter your desk. What if Sally wants to know why she got a 12 instead of a 15 on her playing test last week and you can't remember how she played? Schoology actually alleviates these issues quite quickly.

Schoology allows a teacher to push out assignments/playing tests to students. Rubrics can be created and attached within Schoology easily with flexibility no matter how simple or complex the criteria desired. Students have the option of submitting an audio and or video recording which is useful to see embouchure/sticking issues. Grading is simple and quick as you click on the earned score in the rubric while listening to the student's audio/video recording. Schoology currently communicates with the Powerschool grade book, and grades are synced with the push of a button.

Schoology has more options for written quizzes with varying question formats that are also graded automatically. The aesthetics of Schoology reflect Facebook with the ability to post announcements, assignments, videos and any other content you deem necessary, but in a private closed format for only teachers and students. While Schoology is not in every school yet, if presented with this new platform hopefully you won't be as reticent to look into its useful features. Request a demo on their website to check it out. You can check out screenshots of the program below.

Bryant Knapp Summit Lakes Middle School and Hawhorn Hill Elementary Lee's Summit School District Bryant Knapp (bryant.knapp@lsr7.net) is currently Director of Bands at Summit Lakes Middle School and Hawthorn Hill Elementary as well as working as a marching tech with the Lee's Summit West Titan Pride Marching Band. He began his teaching career at Lone Jack High School where he taught 5-12. His bands consistently received "1" ratings at State Contest. Bryant has played principle trumpet with the Lee's Summit Symphony for the past 11 years and travelled and competed nationally and internationally with the Fountain City Brass Band. Mr. Knapp resides in Lee's Summit with his family. He and his wife Kelli of 13 years have three children. When not involved in a musical endeavor Bryant enjoys playing and coaching soccer and enjoying time with his family.