In the daily life of us Hanover County Public Schools students, we use the learning management software called Schoology. Schoology is a piece of burnt-out, outdated web software built by three college students in their free time back in 2007. The LMS (Learning Management System)'s interface has not had a major overhaul in well over a decade, leaving behind useless, outdated features, and making the overall navigation of Schoology very conflicting, confusing, and slow. Ever since PowerSchool has acquired Schoology back in 2019, they've been making horrible business decisions and ultimately making Schoology even more dysfunctional. This is where I present the world of other LMS programs.

1. Canvas LMS
   Canvas is an open-source Learning Management System owned and created by Instructure, and is actively being maintained while adding useful new features every day. If transitioning to another LMS, Canvas would likely be the best and easiest option for both teachers and students, as Canvas is the closest in nature to Schoology and is also completely free for both teachers and students.
2. Blackboard
   Blackboard is the most commonly used LMS in the United States, with active users all around the world. It offers some of the best features, grade management systems, and essential organization options used by some of the most popular universities in the world. Hanover County has used Blackboard in the past. It costs $300 per school year for each classroom.
3. Google Classroom
   Google Classroom is a good option. It integrates well with Google's ecosystem, allows teachers to customize many options about their classroom, and quickly grade assignments in a neat and clean UI. Google Classroom is also a perfect choice for those in HCPS elementary/middle schools. Google Classroom is completely free for both teachers and students.
4. Moodle
   Moodle has by far the best features, cleanest UI, and best options. It is an open-source LMS that is very accessible and is always getting new features daily. It is currently the most updated and active LMS available, and costs $120 for the basic annual plan.

To all the students, teachers, and other staff that understand the struggles of dealing with Schoology's horrendous interface and conflicting options, you're not alone. This has been a problem for years, and Schoology has not had a major update in a very long time. HCPS students and teachers need a new, refined LMS solution for the 2024-2025 school year.

Schoology needs to go.