Impressions on Building My Learning Management System (LMS)
Having a LMS makes it easier to facilitate and manage online learning in a secure environment. I am able to import course learning materials in various formats to one place. Subsequently, it is easier for my students to know where to find all necessary materials for their learning; it limits confusion and frustration. A LMS promotes student-to-student interactions and collaboration, as well as that of student-to-teacher, which assists in meeting individual student needs. Students participate in discussions, submit and upload their assignments, as well as take assessments on a LMS; thus, I can provide immediate, valuable feedback (comments, grades...) to students which enhances their learning. A LMS also facilitates quick and regular monitoring of student performance and progress by both me and my students. The best part is we can access a LMS from anywhere, at any time, as long as internet access is available.
A LMS is an organized and accessible platform to safely store course content and materials, in addition to enabling a quick way for me to communicate with students and disseminate information (announcements, bulk emails...). It is also tool to foster flexibility, creativity, and individuality; hence, it is crucial to 1:1 learning. I can implement both synchronous and asynchronous learning activities to provide flexibility so my students can move through the curriculum at their own pace, while engaging in discussions with their peers and receiving the assistance they may need from me. A LMS also lends itself to more meaningful learning activities that are student-centered and problem-based, which fosters collaboration with peers, regardless of their proximity. My students need experience with this type of collaboration, and the accompanied skill sets that go with it, so they can apply them in the real world after they graduate. Moreover, the report systems within a LMS provide valuable data for individual and class goals and progress so I can make adjustments based on trends and better accommodate each student's needs.
A couple of years ago I started using My Big Campus (MBC), but I am now in the process of switching to Google Classroom. I have encountered a few obstacles in my transition to Google Classroom. The first one pertained to having two different email addresses: one for Google and the other for Google Classroom. Initially I did not realize there were two separate drives, nor did I know the best way to move files from my Google Drive to my Google Classroom Drive. I am still learning "ins and outs" of Google Drive and Google Classroom so I am still not sure which is the best way to re-upload all my course materials and content. Should I upload them to my Google Classroom Drive and provide a link in the assignment on Google Classroom? Or, should I upload them directly to Google Classroom under "About"? The other constraint is that our district filter blocks YouTube access for students, but they could access it in MBC. I do not think attaching the link in the assignment on Google Classroom will be an major issue.
A LMS makes "flipping" a classroom so much easier. Technology, resources, and content are necessities in a flipped classroom, and where better to compile them? A LMS enables me to secure all essential components for appropriate and effective online learning on one platform. By using Google Classroom, I can create an online environment that contains the essential foundations of a flipped classroom. There will be various opportunities for students to enhance their reading, writing, communication, organization, and technology skills. Students will take responsibility for their learning and construct their own knowledge through actively engaging with their peers as they participate in student-centered, inquiry-learning. They will utilize their Google Drive and discussion boards to collaborate with their peers and get real-time updates as contributions are entered. Access to information, materials, content, resources, and assignments will be readily accessible on Google Classroom. Most importantly, learning will be differentiated to meet each student's needs for a deeper understanding of knowledge and successful application of that knowledge to the real world by creating and publishing presentations, videos and other projects.
I know it will take me a great deal of time to complete my transition to Google Classroom. I am sure I will encounter more obstacles as I revamp my lessons to incorporate more online learning activities and create a flipped classroom, but I am looking forward to it.
