Edmodo vs Google Classrooms

In the past, I have used different course management systems (CMSs) as a student (blackboard and ecollege). However, I have used neither Google Classroom nor Edmodo in a learning environment (as a teacher or student). I will say that I like how much easier it is to create an Edmodo account without the restrictions of Google Classrooms. Despite how easy it is to create an account, there is still a level of privacy because you're not allowed to join any class. Google Classrooms has tighter security which is usually a great thing. However, some teachers like to have parent involvement, and Edmodo allows parents to join in the classrooms as well.

Similarities
In general, I would say that these two platforms offer many of the same features but in different ways. Accounts can be accessed through web browsers, a tablets, and mobile applications. Assignments can be posted by the teacher and submitted by the students. Quizzes can be delivered and taken. Grades can be posted and tracked. Students can interact with one another and with the teacher in forums or in messages. Documents and slides/powerpoints  can be created and stored online. Basically, these CMSs allow teachers to either move their classrooms entirely online or to create a blended classroom. Both of them are user-friendly and simplistic; a student/teacher would have to take a little bit of time to familiarize themselves with either of them. (YouTube videos are a great resource in addition to just playing around with the available buttons).

Differences
The biggest difference that I see is that Google Classrooms is connected to Google Drive. Because of this, there are some awkward steps for quizzes and small-group discussions. While Edmodo has tools to create quizzes and small-group forums within the platform, Google Classrooms relies on Google Forms for quizzes and Google Sheets for small-group forums. That said, Google Classroom allows for an ease in creation, saving, and completion of assignments (i.e. documents and slides) on their virtual Google Drive that Edmodo cannot offer. For instance, Google Classroom teachers can create assignments in their drive, which can then be copied into the students' drives. Students can also create their own documents/projects in Google Drive and connect it to their classroom account, as well as co-create assignments (sharing drive links/invitations to edit). Edmodo is connected to MS Office and can create documents online, but they are stored only in one's personal Edmodo library. Personally, I think Drive allows for a better long-term access to classroom documents and assignments because people will stay connected to their e-mail rather than a learning platform throughout their life.

Teaching Implications
Both technologies support teaching because teachers can upload class content, information, and assignments. Both CMSs support learning because students can access and learn the material, complete the assignments, and collaborate with their peers.  Assignments, like in the classroom, can be tailored to: rote memorization and regurgitating information on quizzes (behaviorist theory), the creation and exploring of new knowledge with assignments like WebQuests (constructivist theory/higher thinking on Bloom's Taxonomy), or to rely on peer collaboration or feedback in forums/on posts (social learning theory).

Teachers can use these platforms as a supplement to their brick-and-mortar classrooms for students to access the class materials both at home and in the classroom. Another option for classroom teachers is to use either platform to create a flipped classroom; the instructional material is posted online for at-home access and the classroom is used for activities and class discussions. Both platforms foster social learning by allowing students interact with one another as a whole class or in (teacher-created) small groups.