Edsby vs. iGradePlus

I use only Edsby - I have no use for a google classroom as well as an Edsby page. I try to convince and how teachers how easy it is to use only one system

iGradePlus works well for schools who are on a tight budget. The pricing is quite fair. We are still a newer school--this is our fourth academic year of operation. iGradePlus has served as our sole school management system from the very beginning. We are very thankful to be growing alongside iGradePlus

• Intuitive - Parents find it simple to use.
• Email - because Esdby links to our SIS producing class lists and broadcast emails are a snap.

• It's record keeping function is robust in its free version.
• Client support is very responsive.
• It's set up guide is thorough.
• The homepage with the news feed is clean and easy on the eyes.

• Edsby could make the sorting and collecting of information such as attendance easier.
• Enhancements to the messaging system are needed - sorting into folders, searching, etc.

• The transcript templates need to be improved.
• I would love to see them add services for canteen management (point of sale).
• I would love to see them add services for library management (circulation).

The user interface is widely modelled on a web 2.0 design (e.g. Facebook). This is not a criticism per se, as it makes moving around the site very easy and familiar. The mobile site is also very well designed, it makes good use of space and is also easy to navigate.

They have good instructions. There are some pages that appear confusing at first, but there are enough directions around for me to figure out what I need to do to accomplish what I need to. I don't always remember what I need to do when it is a task that happens only once or only a few times a year. The grade report section looks difficult, but I have always been able to find out what I need to do there without too much time or effort. Also, when I need to import students from a previous year into a new grade book, the program has provided the information I need to do that

EDSBY was piloted at the school last semester, and I found it made my job easier, which is a boon since time is fleeting and I could get more done with less effort with Edsby. After the pilot the entire school district was signed up to use Edsby. I like it very much. I did use a blog on First Class which was extremely difficult to learn, and a blog on WordPress which was easier to learn how to use but not interactive like Edsby is. To my mind, Edsby is far superior to the former.

I used a different online program several years ago, but it went out of business. This program may have been recommended by the program that went out of business, I don't quite remember. I haven't tried other programs much, and it would be several years ago when I was looking for a new program, so I don't remember what I tried. iGradePlus worked for me, so I have stayed with it.

• For the most part, teachers, parents and students love the system. It provides easy access to the information that they need when they need it.

• More than half of our clients monitor their child's attendance and lesson logs as seen through the parent portal access count.
• Our record keeping is now centralized.
• iGradePlus became a proof of our legitimacy for some of our parents.