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Heather A Ochmane-Learning Ecologies MOOC’s Updates
Learning Management Systems
Though I have limited experience with using Learning Management Systems (LMS) I can see how they can either make or break a course. As mentioned in some of the videos and reading, technology by itself cannot change or do anything in terms of learning. It is how the technology is used. Too often the functions of the LMS are viewed as a good in itself. It is a tool. It is potentially a very effective one but simply have a large number of technological functions and options is not enough. Each teacher needs to understands the strengths and weaknesses of the LMS and integrate it with the desired objectives. I am currently using Moodle. The plug-in options are very appealing. https://moodle.org/plugins/
I do not have experience with a lot of different LMS. Mostly the one we are using right now. It is like pointed out in some of the videoes that the creation of the LMS often is technology-driven and not driven by the pedagogy. And even though I think we all must make some effort to understand how digital resources works, there is a lot of improvements to be made so that they are more user-friendly.
I love having access to the learning management systems at my school. I use Canvas for my engineering classes, and have access to Moodle for my physics course. I still feel like a novice in both, but absolutely agree with you that an LMS is only as good as the teacher's understanding of it. A teacher can make it be the best thing in the world for engaging their students, or it could be relegated to simply being a digital in/out box. It is up to us as educators to learn as much as we can about the system and its potential so we can design our course work to best utilize it. Thanks for the info about the plug-in options. Can't wait to check those out!