E. Mitchell's Navigate 3.2.1 – Tools for Deciding on an LMS Quest

Categorize the top LMS/CMS vendors associated with a specific learner (K12, Higher Ed., or Business) in your blog. Make a selection for what is the optimal LMS for the organization.

I found this recently posted to sum up the top LMS Software from 2014 (http://elearningindustry.com/the-20-best-learning-management-systems):

I have prior experience as a user of some of these systems:  MOODLE, Edmodo, Blackboard, and D2L.  As a user, the friendliest system has been D2L.  I felt the way the system enabled my instructors to set up their courses was easy to follow and had some flow.  On the flip, I have also used many of these systems as an instructor and still favor D2L.  I felt MOODLE was limited in design and was not interactive enough (for what I desired).  Nor do I think some are aesthetically pleasing which may seem superficial but as a user you want something that is not harsh when working. 

For use in the k12 arena, a LMS needs to cater to some needs:

1. cost
2. features (interactive interface, content, assessments)
3. reliability and accessibility
4. maintenance / upgrades
5.  User friendliness (ranging from students with little to no technology skills to those who are advanced)
6. Tech friendly

E. Mitchell's Navigate 3.1.4 – LMS Reporting Quest

What are the options for grade reporting? Are there various levels? Which levels remain most valuable for the online instructor in regard to student performance?

There are various options for grade reporting that I have used in my teaching practice.  The most beneficial has been the incorporation of rubrics that I have in place before students complete the assignment.  They are knowledgeable by choice of the expectations ahead of time.  This allows me in my evaluation to point out that fact.  But  definitely the quality of work improves when everything is stated ahead of time.  The rubrics are awesome because you have the ability to devise them in multiple ways but also added personalized reflections to student work.  This helps tie together objective evaluation with power of professional expertise with subjectivity.

The ability to create categories in the gradebook to breakdown grades is valuable.  Being able to create objective multiple choice exams to evaluate student knowledge in combination with a discussion adds meaning to the students cumulative class average.  Discussions can be evaluated with rubrics with integrating student participation and progress.  I evaluate discussions during the week.  The system allows me to provide feedback along the way and allow students to modify their contributions.  

E. Mitchell's Navigate 3.1.3 – Tools within the LMS Quest

Which tools would be most valuable in the online classroom? Which would be of least value?


Most valuable and why:

1. Commenting/feedback - The systems allows me to leave commentary in diverse forms, from text to outside links to videos to voice recordings.  In an environment where I can not sit down and discuss face to face my commentary about student work, the variety of options gives me the ability to capture the student's attention as well as ensure I can accurately get my points across.
2. Rubrics - These ensure the subjectivity is removed from grading so no student or parent can call "favorites".  Rubrics allow for an honest assessment of work and set expectations of student work before completion--they know what they have to do to get the A.  Additionally, the system allows for me to have the assignment open in one window and the rubric in another making for efficient grading.  
3. Notification System - Since communication is a key component of the online environment, a notification system is imperative not only for course updates and emergencies but also issues where the system may be offline due to maintenance procedures. 

Least valuable and why:

1. Blogs - Though the feature is nice to have, it is one rarely used.  Most students have a blog that they personally created or one created for another course.  I think having a blogging site outside of the system helps teach our students a new skill as well as netiquette on the open internet rather than in a protected area.   
2. Social Profiles - Though is may help students establish friendships outside of the classroom, I think it provides a distraction and should be kept minimal.
3. Self-assessments/surveys - I just honestly do not think most students when required to complete a self-assessment truly reflect and have this momentous introspective moment.

E. Mitchell's Navigate 3.1.2 – Creation and Investigation into Courses Quest

What were those steps? Is it important to follow these steps? 

Not too long ago I had to chance to work as a developer for a revised AP Psychology course.  Previously the course was more based on student reading and quizzes, with a few written assignments.  I worked as the content specialist to devise the material for the course.  I created new discussions, assignments, exams, as well as multimedia presentations for notes.  I worked closely alongside another individual who helped with the available features that Softchalk could provide---like flashcards, fill in the blanks, and matching--to serve as content checks.  I would zip a file with the desired content, assignments, as well as animations and videos, and they would place in the system.  I would then be able to check formatting, make sure all links were opening properly, as well as verify any copyright issues.  

It was definitely a tedious process that require the help of multiple people.  Checking along the way is necessary to ensure a correctly working final product; one misstep and the course will not be effective.  

E. Mitchell's Navigate 3.1.1 – LMS Tool Categories Quest

Discuss the most relevant features offered in an LMS, which relate directly to effective online instruction. How might these be used in the online environment?

There are numerous features offered in an LMS that enable an effective online environment.  

A personal favorite of mine is the discussion forum.  The forum allows me to create an area where students can express content knowledge as well as personal applications.  It mirrors traditional classroom conversations, which are a critical component of AP Psychology.  Students are free to comment (with a minimum expectation) as many times as they wish.  I have some students who make 6-10 posts per discussion.  The forum gives students a voice who, in a traditional setting, may not feel comfortable speaking in front of classmates.  

Another feature that I believe is highly beneficial is the content delivery.  I can use multiple forms of delivery---videos, demonstrations, animations, captured lectures.  I also like the ability to link the content to current happenings in the world with just a hyperlink for them to read more about.  With the incorporation of an online textbook that can be bookmarked and highlighted in, the course is accessible from virtually anywhere.  

E. Mitchell's Navigate 2.1.4 – Lecture Capture Quest

Address the following questions in your blog concerning Lecture Capture:

• How would the resource function in the online classroom?
• How would the integration of Lecture Capture modify teaching methods?

When teaching AP Psychology I overly stress to the students how the course is designed much like a college course.  I have referred to lectures done by psychology professors uploaded to platforms like TeacherTube to show my students.  With my traditional students I can balance lecture and activities.  With my online students I often find this difficult.  I feel pressured to use my weekly Adobe sessions to lecture rather than do class activities.  When I read survey comments about online classes and speak to most parents, their concern is the loss of lecture---some students just need to hear the material from the teacher.  

I would enjoy being able to capture some lectures of mine for the online classroom.  Teaching a course that is not as objective as others, it would be great for me to provide ample examples in relation to explaining class material.  I could then use my weekly Adobe time for review, activities, and class discussions.  In an AP class where I am assessed with student scores, I feel compelled to provide lectures when I can to clarify material.  I feel having this option as an extra resource for students would be beneficial though time consuming to create at first.  

E. Mitchell's Navigate 2.1.3 – Commercial versus Open Virtual Classrooms Quest

When would an open source application take precedence over a commercial product?

It seems that an open source application would take precedence over a commercial product for accessibility and cost reasons. With the online environment, depending on the size of the online school, open source may be a viable option but of the financial side at first.  But with growth, a learning environment needs consistency and support.  With open source, there is not as much of a guarantee as with a commercial product.  However accessibility is a large factor, and budget costs for traditional schools utilizing online learning environments have limited funds.  I believe one can combine both open source and commercial depending on the functions to provide for the students.