What The Heck is a Learning Management System?
Well, I'm glad you asked. They are becoming very widespread as far as I know, with some examples of learning management systems being Moodle, Canvas and Schoology. The name itself is actually really self explanatory as well, they are a way to help you manage the learning of your students, providing and being a tool(s) for that.
Well, That's Cool, But Why Should You Care?
Well, because they're really, really helpful in managing your student's learning. I could leave it there, but you're probably wondering how they are so wonderful for managing learning. Let me lay out a few reasons why, and some of my experiences with them from the student's perspective.
How Would I Use a Learning Management System as a Teacher?
I have created a sample Schoology site that I am going to use as an example here. In this site, I have included an introduction to the class from me, a page on how this site will be used (this would mainly be for parents if they have access to the site. That issue is up to you), as well as a Unit folder with some things in it that I will explain below. The images are Thinglinks that allow you to kind of explore them.
Well, I'm glad you asked. They are becoming very widespread as far as I know, with some examples of learning management systems being Moodle, Canvas and Schoology. The name itself is actually really self explanatory as well, they are a way to help you manage the learning of your students, providing and being a tool(s) for that.
Well, That's Cool, But Why Should You Care?
Well, because they're really, really helpful in managing your student's learning. I could leave it there, but you're probably wondering how they are so wonderful for managing learning. Let me lay out a few reasons why, and some of my experiences with them from the student's perspective.
- They keep everything in one place. You don't have worry about having students hand in homework anymore, as you can set it up to have it all done online if you so choose. This is nice for both you and the students because you don't have to worry about misplacing things.
- This means that you can create a folder, a module, or whatever for each unit and have everything contained in that place. The topic material if students need to read more, quizzes, assignments, discussions, you name it. This is super convenient.
- Student's like it. They get to interact with technology, and few students don't like that. This allows them to develop healthy habits for interacting with technology in positive ways.
How Would I Use a Learning Management System as a Teacher?
I have created a sample Schoology site that I am going to use as an example here. In this site, I have included an introduction to the class from me, a page on how this site will be used (this would mainly be for parents if they have access to the site. That issue is up to you), as well as a Unit folder with some things in it that I will explain below. The images are Thinglinks that allow you to kind of explore them.
And here below is what is inside of the Unit Folder. You can build units inside of units... inside of units inside of units if you choose.
So How Would I Have Students Use a Learning Management System?
Below is an example of a way I would have my students use a learning management system. They provide an opportunity to share opinions and other thoughts that the students might not get the opportunity to share, either because of a dislike of talking in front of others, or a lack of time for everyone to share. This way, all students get to voice their opinions, and that is something I personally believe to be important.
Here in this example, after the students have read chapter one of the assigned book, they are asked to share 3-4 insights that they gained while reading.