Professional Learning Management System

Introduction

Part of being an effective teacher is providing students various opportunities for participation.  Participation in a lesson ensures that students are engaged and it encourages practice toward success.  An innovation that enables and encourages participation in the classroom is the use of a learning management system (LMS)—a software application designed to manage the administration, documentation, tracking and delivery of education.  LMSs boast numerous features that enable teachers and students vast opportunities beyond the classroom.  This type of learning program “gives students more flexibility and personalized instruction” (DeNisco, 2015) as teachers strive to accommodate the diverse learning need

s and styles of students for maximum participation. 

Features of a Learning Management System

While searching for the LMS appropriate for my intentions, I narrowed my search down to two: Schoology and NEO LMS.  Each LMS served the same purpose, however, it was a matter of appearance, user functionality, and customization on my part.  After weeks of using and navigating through both LMSs, I had decided on the one that I felt fit my needs.  In using the Schoology LMS, I was able to create a learning environment structured toward student engagement.  Many of its features easily enabled users, both teachers and students, to manipulate learning to suit individual needs. 

Organization

            Lessons were organized by date into different color-coded folders.  Each lesson was labeled with a title, objective(s), standards, and date range.  Inside each folder were pages that were consistent in skills, but different in content.  This ensured security for students, as they would know what to expect, and thus, be prepared, each week.  I had organized my lessons so that each one was connected to the last.  Therefore, learning activities would be based on background knowledge. 

Calendar

            Schoology’s built-in calendar was simple and easy to manipulate.  Lessons, assignments, and tests were automatically placed on the calendar once they are created.  They could then be re-arranged by clicking and dragging the titles to and from different dates.  Multiple calendars for different classes could be seen on one main calendar, as each class would be color-coded, so that the instructor could overview and manage all classes. 

Updates

            Like many social media pages, Schoology allows for updates.  These updates instantly notify users of the most recent information for the class.

Gradebook

            The built-in gradebook provided many options that made grading simple.  Grades could be based on rubrics, which could be created on Schoology or uploaded to the system.  Grades could also be aligned with a school’s district’s standards.  The gradebook included categories, weights, could track progress and create reports. 

Badges

            Badges were given to encourage positive student interactions.  They could easily be assigned to individuals or groups of students who performed certain tasks.  Students would also be able to see their badges, which could motivate and promote positive behavior.

Attendance

            Schoology also has a built-in attendance record, which is automatically dated as the instructor continues to use the system.  Comments could be made for each student, and instructors could decide if the comment should be visible to the student.  Attendance reports could also be made for individual students or for a class.

Assignments and Tests

Assignments and Tests could be created on Schoology.  Both provided a variety of built-in assessment options, and are automatically published to the class.  Assignments and Tests could even be assigned to individual students, tailored to their learning needs.  Files could be attached to assignments/tests if an instructor has already created one.  Finally, Schoology creates a library of assignments and tests. 

Interactivity

            Users of Schoology are able to interact in two ways: messaging and teacher-led discussions.  Messaging can be teacher-to-student, student-to-teacher or student-to-student.  The teacher must create discussions, and all members of a class have access and are able to communicate. 

Support of External Technology Tools

Schoology is versatile as it allows external technology tools to be used within its system.  I was able to use and embed a number of external tools to supplement each lesson.  Such tools that I used supported by Schoology include YouTube, Quizlet, Voki, and eBooks. 

           

Conclusion

            The use of an LMS can significantly enhance the learning experience.  Researchers have found that the implementation of a “curriculum-based instructional management system enhanced the math achievement of Title 1 students,” (Ysseldyke,et.al., 2004) when looking to improve mathematics skills using a learning management system.  With its many features, teachers are able to more closely monitor progress and mold lessons to support student achievement.  Using Schoology allowed me to track learning at all levels and in all avenues to ensure participation beyond the classroom.  As the curriculum advances by promoting educational technology, the implementation should be highly considered for each class, as it provides vast opportunities to support and assist student learning.

References:

DeNisco, A. (2015). Online learning proves VITAL to success: One-of-a-kind digital strategy keeps students in school. District Administration, 51(3), p.45. Retrived from: http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=6e662304-7008-4ee5-8072-e7eefa3099ef%40sessionmgr103&vid=0&hid=109.

Ysseldyke, J., Betts, J., Thill, T., & Hannigan, E. (2004). Use of an instructional management system to improve mathematics skills for students in Title I programs. Preventing School Failure, 48(4), p.10-14. Retrieved from: http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=6e662304-7008-4ee5-8072-e7eefa3099ef%40sessionmgr103&vid=0&hid=109.