Organize content through a learning management system (LMS)

Author:
What: Manage and assign online course content through an LMS
During remote or blended instruction, you can create a customized collection of learning resources for learners by uploading your selected resources to a learning management system (LMS), such as Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, or Moodle. Items that can be uploaded include website or tool links, PDFs of readings, as well as audio and video files. An LMS also typically includes discussion boards, rubrics, and messaging tools.

Why: Content Sharing and Assigning

When creating assignments with online content, it helps learners to have everything in one place. Using a learning management system allows you to create assignments that include directions, websites, videos or other resources associated with the assignment so they are all readily accessible.

Evidence-Based Strategies

This routine is supported by the following strategies:

Clear Structure & Presentation Goal Setting & Monitoring Competency-based Learning & Assessment

How: Google Classroom

Analyze your curriculum to identify the weekly assignments and learning resources you want to upload to the LMS. For example, using Google Classroom, you can create an assignment post that includes directions, links to the learning materials, and a link to Google Doc or Google Form with a follow-up assignment of comprehension questions to help learners process the content they’ve read and viewed.

EdTech Tool Types: Learner Management System

LL.2 Adapt to New Technology

Learning management systems are ubiquitous in K-12 and postsecondary education and workplace training. When orienting learners to the basic functions and tools of an LMS, use the appropriate terminology. This will prepare them to recognize standard terms such as submit assignment, upload document, collapse/expand replies within a discussion thread, quizzes, rubric, etc. Discussing how these functions work and why they are used can help learners build the digital resilience needed to be successful using any learning / course management tool.

EF.7 Understand the Internet

Writing posts or uploading assignments to an LMS can feel daunting to learners who are new to the process. Model the steps learners need to take when using the LMS to 1) locate and download content; 2) write and post comments (or copy and paste comments written offline and then post); 3) and upload assigned work (documents, videos, audio files, etc.). As you model each step, ask guiding questions such as, “Where can I find a list of my posts? How can I check if I’ve completed an assignment? Where can I core resources for this class/course? What happens if the computer crashes while I’m typing a post?” (Note: in Google Classroom it will save as a draft.)