Monday, March 31, 2008
Using a Learning Management System (LMS) in the classroom.
What do you think are the benefits to our using a LMS in our classes? What do they allow us to do that was all but impossible before? About what do we have to be careful? Do you foresee any pitfalls or problems. If so, what solutions to you see to these problems?
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3 comments:
I forsee more pros than cons. Students might be more inclined to participate in discussions, since they have more time to read and respond to class material and discussions. They can also have constant access to their grades and class activities.
I find this "one-stop shopping" approach very useful, since MCI students are having to use 3 different locations to check grades, email and attendance.
The only disadvantage I see at this point, is a lack of participation from students that are computer illiterate. I've had to do extensive tutoring for older students that never touched Microsoft Word before coming to my English classes. Some of my older students are very resistant to newer technology and prefer pen and paper to internet and PC. Overall, the entire process will take more time for both the teacher and student, but will ultimately lead to a more effective learning environment.
The benefits to our using a computer-based LMS in our classes is that students have access anytime, any place, and at any pace and this was all but impossible before. Allowing students to work at their own pace while keeping the others from becomming bored was difficult. Also monitoring the amount of time students stayed on a site was all but impossible. This makes it much easier to run a class in the hybrid format. We do need to be careful to make sure that students know how to log in and make posts by having them do it in seat at first before having them do it from home.
I really agree with Stephanie's final comment about how using an LSM will be more time-consuming for students and teachers (at least initially) but will provide for a more effecting learning environment in the end. Also, I like what Brian said about the availabiltiy of the material anywhere, not just on campus in class. I think a LSM system should supplement, not replace, what has been effective in the past....
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