During the past two years, switching from Google Classroom to Schoology has been a big adjustment for many students. While Schoology offers new tools and organization features, students and teachers can’t help but miss the simplicity and familiarity of Google Classroom.
Justin Foxworth, who teaches AP European History, lamented, “While I understand the relevance of Schoology as a tool to facilitate learning, I find the site itself to be archaic. Google Classroom had a streamlined interface that made uploading documents and assignments easier than Schoology. Google Classroom was also more student friendly when it came to navigating the site and submitting assignments.”
Many recent issues involving Schoology have taken place, including several shutdowns, issues loading assignments, and other issues involving the overall reliability of the platform. This has made many teachers and students frustrated with the website, claiming that it is very inconsistent and unreliable; making it a hinderance to their online learning.
Sophomore Sophia Maida expressed, “I do miss how easy Google Classroom was. Having to link my assignments to turn them in is just time consuming and honestly a hassle. Plus, it’s always down or having network issues, so then nothing gets done.”
This raises the question of why we switched from Google Classroom to Schoology in the first place. Horry County Schools switched to Schoology because of its connection to PowerSchool. This aids the district financially and creates more seamless grading for teachers. While this seems good in theory, these issues with the platform have made some people yearn for Google Classroom and miss its easy functionality.
The Covid-19 pandemic presented many challenges to all people across the world. This was especially true in schools, as in person learning was put to a halt. Google Classroom allowed students and teachers to easily navigate through the tough task of online learning; something that they had never had to struggle with before.
Many feel like Google Classroom is better suited for school because of their positive experience with it during the pandemic.
Senior Luis Diaz claimed, “I miss how Google Classroom was easier to navigate. I liked how in Google Classroom all the assignments were on the front page with their due dates. Google Classroom was overall more easier and organized than Schoology.”
A reliable learning platform is very important for students and teachers’ school experience and that explains why many students feel like Google Classroom is a better option for students to learn and for teachers to guide their students. With many recent issues that have taken place involving Schoology, it’s not hard to see why some people want to use Google Classroom again.
