Source: Maybe, Pixabay, http://bit.ly/1B3F2m5; No, Pixabay, http://bit.ly/1EbvhUY; Yes, Pixabay, http://bit.ly/1DyifNI; Globe, Clker, http://bit.ly/1CVSonk; Stick Figure, Clker, http://bit.ly/1JoIB83
Hello everyone and welcome. In this lesson we will provide an opportunity for you, the teacher, to reflect on how using a learning management system could benefit or challenge your practice and your learning environment. When we reflect, there are certainly a lot of questions to ask. So let's get started.
The first set of questions are meant to get you thinking about whether or not you are ready to move toward a learning management system. Or, if you haven't already, switching to a different one. Considering what you know about learning management systems, why would you consider moving to or switching to a different one? What features of an LMS are most important to you?
Keep in mind that some features are free and others are not. What does your current communication plan look like? Most LMS's have communication tools embedded. You will want to know how they will work with what you already have in place. Do you have the means to pull together a committee to research different learning management systems? Remember how important it is to include a wide representation of members.
Are you bound by any fiscal restraints? And does your current technology infrastructure support the LMS that you are considering? Once you have made the decision on which learning management system you'll be using, I want you to think about what a move toward that LMS will mean.
This set of questions will help you do that. Considering your school environment, what will be the biggest improvements to moving to an LMS? Considering your school environment, what will be the biggest challenges to moving to an LMS? What training or support will you need in order to move forward with an LMS? This can be both internal training or from customer support.
Will any devices need to be upgraded to support the system? This can also be a financial obstacle. How will you ensure that the learning management system that you chose is being used to its fullest potential?
The last set of questions are related to Robert Marzano's framework for teaching. In particular, the following two elements. Domain 2, Element 5, planning and preparing for the use of available technology, and Domain 3, Element 2, evaluate the effectiveness of individual lessons and units.
How does using a learning management system help you to address these two elements? What supports, if any, will you continue to need in order to use the LMS, and do you know how to access those supports? What features of your learning management system are you using fully, and which are you not utilizing at all? It's very easy to get stuck into habits of using the same tools over and over and neglecting others.
Are lessons in units aligned with the standards? And, are you using the management systems assessments both formatively and summatively to evaluate effectiveness? Here's today's food for thought. Make reflection part of your daily routine by modifying these questions for different situations.
To dive a little deeper and learn how to apply this information, be sure to check out the additional resources section associated with this video. This is where you'll find links targeted toward helping you discover more ways to apply this course material. Thanks for watching. We'll see an next time.
(00:00-00:19) Intro
(00:20-01:12) Set 1: Choosing an LMS
(01:13-01:56) Set 2: Moving to an LMS
(01:57-2:50) Working With an LMS
(02:51-3:14) Food For Thought
Improving Ed-Tech Purchasing
This article by Phil Martin and Steve Pines reviews how to improve the thoughtful selection and purchase of educational technology. Scroll down to download a very useful tool for identifying the key obstacles and possible solutions for the discovery and acquisition of K-12 personalized learning tools.
http://www.digitalpromise.org/blog/entry/improving-ed-tech-purchasing
Digital Learning Now: Smart Series Guide to EdTech Procurement
This comprehensive report takes educators through a 12 step process in making decisions about procuring educational technology. It emphasizes that decisions should connect back to personalizing instruction and meeting educational goals and objectives. The section "The Buyers Are Not the Users" offers important thinking and talking points in collaborating around decision making.
http://learningaccelerator.org/media/c0601d62/DLNSS-EdTechProcumentGuide-FINALCC_Jan2014%20(1).pdf
Montgomery County Public Schools: 10 Basic Quality Tools for The Classroom
Scroll down to the "Plus Delta" section to find an overview of using the tool, why to use the tool, and how the tool impacts practice. In addition, this site offers images of the Plus Delta in action in real classrooms and educational environments.
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/baldrige/staff/qualitytools.shtm