Google Classroom is a popular learning management system (LMS)
Google Classroom allows you to communicate and share files for online learning. The LMS is easy to use, collaborative, and integrates with many educational apps.
Although Classroom offers many useful features, it lacks several classroom management elements for standard hybrid learning. For instance, Classroom doesn’t have a standards-based grading option.
Fortunately, there are many Google Classroom alternatives. From free LMS that allow lots of customizations to paid options that are well-aligned with industry standards, here are five alternatives to Google Classroom.
Edmodo
Edmodo is a powerful LMS that lets you build a vibrant classroom community by sharing engaging lessons and keeping parents updated. The easy-to-implement LMS is set up like a social media platform for improved student engagement. You’ll also find training resources to get started quickly.
Edmodo primarily targets the K-12 market and allows schools to integrate the LMS with their Student Information System (SIS). The platform also works with Google Apps and Microsoft Office apps and can be accessed via a web browser or Edmodo mobile apps.
You can sign up for a parent account. Parents can sign in and see their children’s assignments, grades, and progress. Edmodo offers a free plan with limited storage of 1GB. The paid plans offer unlimited storage, Zoom integration, an institution resource library, administrative tools, and prioritized support.
Canvas
Canvas is a popular LMS with innovative course-assembly tools. The LMS is easy to set up and use and has a simple and clean design. The LMS integrates with many third-party tools and supports SCORM files and files from vendors like Moodle and Blackboard. Instructors and students can also access G Suite from inside the LMS.
The online learning platform allows you to design courses, add students, import content, and add calendar events. With Canvas LMS, you can create assignments, quizzes, and video conferences, to mention a few. Instructors can use the platform’s SpeedGrader to grade assignments faster. The LMS automatically parses each assignment into the syllabus, grade book, or course calendar.
The LMS includes tabs for announcements, files, assignments, discussions, and an option for students to track their progress in the class. Canvas offers smartphone apps and integrates with popular software like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Adobe Connect Apps. It also integrates with social media sites such as Twitter.
Though the LMS lacks gamification, it communicates very well.
