Learning Management Systems

Subject	Tuesday TIC Tip
From	CJ Mcdonald
To	EX All; ORALL
Sent	Tuesday, November 18, 2014 6:29 AM








Good morning!




One aspect of technology that I found particularly enticing was the efficiency of it.  I’ve told more than one of you that before I used a digital calendar I couldn’t attend a meeting on time to save my life.  Before I began using a class website and a blog I was always scrambling to provide resources for student who were absent for one reason or another.  Before using surveys to collect student digital work my inbox was crammed full of “shared” files waiting to be organized.  The use of technology gave me the time to be a better teacher…and focus on kids.  Though you probably are not in as dire straits as I was, I’m sure together we’ll stumble upon something that creates efficiency for you; it’ll take you less time and effort than it did me because…well you have a TIC on your side.


Consider taking a look and at least considering one of the following LMS (Learning management systems).  LMS is a system that wraps most of the ideas above into one little package.  A one stop shop.  Killing 5 birds with one stone,  er, you get the idea.  You may want to consider working with your team to experiment and help each other decide which of the following may work for you next semester or next year.  






1. Google Classroom (#googleclassroom, 2 minute VIDEO)
• Extremely Simple.  Teachers can distribute, collect and grade google docs with ease


2. OneNote Classroom (Disclosure—I love this one.  Its too new for nifty YouTube videos.  See me for details)
• Awesome new OneNote program where there are three different sections of a OneNote: 1-- the teacher can distribute materials for all students to see.  2--The students work can immediately be seen by the teacher.  3—A Collaboration area (if the teacher wanted) where all students and the teacher can comment and see each other’s work.


3. Canvas (1 ½ minute VIDEO)
• I have less experience with this, but a few teachers are using this to distribute, collect and grade student work.  They can also set up quizzes and can automatically check them.


4. Moodle (LM has a moodle page… 6 minute VIDEO)
• Good basic structure that distributes and collects student work.  As you can see by the site ther are a few teachers already using it and could be resources for you.


5. Some others that I could help you look into:
• Edmodo
• Blackboard
• Many more…




Workshop sessions:


EX  
Wed 3:-3:30 in 407
Thursday 7:15-7:45


OR
Thursday 3:00-3:30
Friday 7:15-7:45


1. Sycning OneDrive (with file management discussion)
2. Learning Management Systems
 
(yes, I’m on a Calvin and Hobbes kick today)














CJ McDonald
Linn-Mar Community School District
Middle School Technology Integration Coach
(319) 892-4856
LM TICs Website: http://ow.ly/AxFhK