January 6th, 2009 by Learning Systems
Are you looking for course materials to host on a learning management system? Consider free, open source textbooks. Organizations like Flat World Knowledge make finding learning materials for student learning management systems simple and cost-effective.
Textbook prices are indeed ludicrous. According to a 2005 report by the Government Accountability Office, textbook prices have outpaced inflation 2-to-1 in the past two decades. And textbook expenses account for 26% of tuition and fees at four-year public universities and nearly three-quarters of costs at community colleges.
Although pickings may be on the slim side for open source textbooks right now, the movement is in its early stages. Supporting open source products will contribute to the evolution and proliferation of free textbooks for learning management systems.
December 31st, 2008 by Learning Systems
Some learning management systems include discussion forums with mandatory student participation. But how do instructors keep track of student discussion contributions? How are contributions graded–organically or with certain criteria?
It all depends on the instructor. Often grading student participation in discussion forums can be a hassle. However, some learning management systems contain grading tools that allow instructors to evaluate student discussion participation based on their own criteria.
Discussion board scoring rubrics allow for efficient management of large discussions and hundreds of posts on a learning management system. Rubric monitors can be used to determine scores based on criteria such as frequency of posts and replies, the number of replies a student’s post generates from other students, and peer ranking averages.
December 31st, 2008 by Learning Systems
In contrast to many traditional classrooms, the multimedia approach employed by learning management system courses often addresses many different learning styles. In addition, courses hosted on a learning management system offer more freedom and flexibility in your own instruction. The flip side is that you have to be a person willing to carry the responsibility that comes with freedom and flexibility.
If you believe you’re able to motivate yourself without the pressure of an instructor (who will act more as a guide than a dictator) or your peers, then you may be ready for online learning. But support is usually available in some form. Many leaning management system courses offer opportunities to interact with your instructor or peers through email, telephone, discussions, chats, etc.
December 31st, 2008 by Learning Systems
Is taking a class on a learning management system easier and less time-consuming than a traditional class? Not necessarily. You can generally expect to spend an equal amount of time–and sometimes more–studying for a course hosted on a learning management system. After all, you’re managing your own learning, using the online information and materials. Self-guided learning requires strong study skills, self-motivation, and abandoning any tendency to procrastinate.
Developing a schedule that includes a couple of hours each day to devote to a learning management system course is essential, and making it into a routine will help out in ways you never imagined. Remember that at its essence, a schedule is meant to save you time.
December 30th, 2008 by Learning Systems
How do you communicate with your instructor via a learning management system? Though it depends on the online course, generally you communicate with your instructor and peers through email and electronic file submissions.
A learning management system allows you to have a flexible class schedule, completing course assignments at any point in the day convenient for you. You’ll receive course assignments and complete and return them to your instructor, who will evaluate them and provide feedback.
Depending on the course design, exams may be online or take place in a testing room on campus or at a local community college. A learning management system course may also involve writing papers, participating in simulations and collaborate on projects as other forms of assessment.
December 30th, 2008 by Learning Systems
According to a study by the University of West Florida, 20 percent of learning management system users are new students. So, what can students and employees who have never experienced an LMS expect?
As an online student, you can expect certain characteristics from a learning management system–though these may vary slightly depending on the course. Standard classroom textbooks and materials are typically combined with online lectures, assignments, and supplementary course materials.
Some online courses also include formal lectures, which may be text-based or consist of a combination of text, graphics, sound and video. Still other learning management systems divide the course content into smaller parts, or utilize discussion forums and other types of activities instead of lectures.
December 26th, 2008 by Learning Systems
With increasingly geographically dispersed teams, conference calls are a necessary evil for an organization using a learning management system. And while employees often need some tips on conference call etiquette, managers and meeting conductors may also benefit from learning management system-hosted training.
Lyndsay Swinton offers some suggestions for conducting a conference call. It’s important to start the meeting exactly on time–don’t wait for latecomers. Take a role call at the beginning of the meeting, noting those missing–a little toughness will earn you a lot of respect. Don’t let the discussion get off-topic. Treat the conference call as if it were a meeting. Prepare and circulate an agenda, take notes, etc. Finally, close the meeting formally, thanking everyone for their time.
To achieve the maximum benefits of conducting conference calls, pick up a conference call training course for managers on your learning management system.
December 26th, 2008 by Learning Systems
A learning management system can be integrated with social software programs that provide virtual space for conference calls and team meetings. Conference calls are a cost-effective way for groups to collaborate and discuss. But just like proper use of a learning management system, there are some basic tenets of conference call etiquette that should be heeded.
Being on time, introducing yourself when you speak, and choosing a quiet place for the call are essential. Don’t assume people recognize your voice–say your name before you speak. Never shuffle papers, scrape chairs, pencil tap, etc. Avoid speakerphones (background noise), mobile phones (static), and call waiting (unexpected beeps and tones).
Organize conference call etiquette training on your learning management system. Never having a conference interrupted by someone’s “hold” rock music will be worth the costs of some quick etiquette training.
