Learning management systems have a features and different levels of access for different positions. For the instructor, the features that are most important are those that affect the instruction: the LOR (learning object repository), course assessments, communication, reporting and analytics, and, of course, course content.
LOR (Learning Object Repository)
The LOR is important for online instruction because teaching virtually can sometimes make instructors feel like they're on an island, and the collaboration and community with colleagues that exists in a brick and mortar school may not be present. Through the LOR, however, teachers can share resources and ideas with one another.
Course Assessments
This feature encompasses all of the ways students might submit assignments, such as tests and quizzes and dropboxes. Obviously this feature is essential for an online classroom. In this feature, too, teachers can include rubrics so that students will understand the expectations of a specific task or assignment.
Communication
Because of its nature, the online classroom relies heavily upon a strong system of communication between teachers and students. This communication can take the form of email, instant messaging, or discussion boards. When a student has a question or problem or needs feedback, the teacher must be able to communicate quickly and thoroughly with either the student or the whole group.
Reporting and Analytics
It is the reporting and analytics feature that allows teachers to understand a student's history, skill set, and ability level. In my current position, we use SLDS (State Longitudinal Data System) to find information about our students that ranges from attendance to past grades in courses to domain-specific achievement on standardized tests. The system is extremely helpful when I need to know which students may need help on test or on specific expectations (such as reading comprehension or understanding of the conventions of English) of the curriculum. In an online classroom it can be even more important for teachers to have access to this type of data to be able to identify specific student needs and be proactive to address those needs.
Course Content
The course content includes the lectures, readings, supplemental materials, and assignments for courses. In some organizations, the curriculum is already written with specified activities and assignments; in others, individual teachers are responsible for developing an appropriate curriculum. Whether it's the former or the latter, though, the course content feature of a learning management system is crucial for facilitating an online classroom.
LOR (Learning Object Repository)
The LOR is important for online instruction because teaching virtually can sometimes make instructors feel like they're on an island, and the collaboration and community with colleagues that exists in a brick and mortar school may not be present. Through the LOR, however, teachers can share resources and ideas with one another.
Course Assessments
This feature encompasses all of the ways students might submit assignments, such as tests and quizzes and dropboxes. Obviously this feature is essential for an online classroom. In this feature, too, teachers can include rubrics so that students will understand the expectations of a specific task or assignment.
Communication
Because of its nature, the online classroom relies heavily upon a strong system of communication between teachers and students. This communication can take the form of email, instant messaging, or discussion boards. When a student has a question or problem or needs feedback, the teacher must be able to communicate quickly and thoroughly with either the student or the whole group.
Reporting and Analytics
It is the reporting and analytics feature that allows teachers to understand a student's history, skill set, and ability level. In my current position, we use SLDS (State Longitudinal Data System) to find information about our students that ranges from attendance to past grades in courses to domain-specific achievement on standardized tests. The system is extremely helpful when I need to know which students may need help on test or on specific expectations (such as reading comprehension or understanding of the conventions of English) of the curriculum. In an online classroom it can be even more important for teachers to have access to this type of data to be able to identify specific student needs and be proactive to address those needs.
Course Content
The course content includes the lectures, readings, supplemental materials, and assignments for courses. In some organizations, the curriculum is already written with specified activities and assignments; in others, individual teachers are responsible for developing an appropriate curriculum. Whether it's the former or the latter, though, the course content feature of a learning management system is crucial for facilitating an online classroom.
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