Exploring Innovative LMS Solutions: Our Journey and Favorite Tools
Join Holly Smythe, Instructional Designer, and Melanie Morris, Interim Director of Online Learning at Raritan Valley Community College, as they share insights from their journey to implement a new Learning Management System (LMS). Discover their favorite online tools, learn about the essential features they sought in an LMS, and participate in discussions to share innovative ways to utilize LMS tools effectively. This session will highlight practical solutions, address user needs, and foster collaboration among participants.
Exploring Innovative LMS Solutions: Our Journey and Favorite Tools
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Presentation Transcript
WebStudy’sInnovative Toolbox Our journey to a new LMS, Our favorite online tools . . . and Sharing innovative ways to use LMS tools Holly Smythe, Instructional Designer & Melanie Morris, Interim Director of Online Learning Raritan Valley Community College
Agenda • Brief overview of our journey to a new Learning Management System • A look at our favorite online tools • Opportunity for YOU to share innovative ways to use Learning Management System tools
Our Journey to a new Learning Management System On the road again!
The Search is on! • Early in 2010 we began a search for a new LMS. • We needed a replacement by summer of 2011 when our Blackboard CE8 license was set to expire.
College-wide LMS Needs • Reasonable cost • All inclusive product • Responsive company • Ease of use for students • Flexible for faculty • Weekend and evening technical support
New Tool Needs • Learning Object Repository • WYSIWYG Equation Editor for math • Audio options for foreign language • Paste from Word • Date rollover tool • ePortfolio
Exploring the Options • Looked at many LMS products • Some missing tools • Some too expensive • Some too simple • Some too complex AngelBlackboard 9.1 Desire2LearnEdvance 360 (Scholar) Epsilen (NYT) Instructure Moodle Rooms Joule Pearson Learning (Ecollege) WebStudy
Our Favorite Tools and Features In alphabetical order!
Announcement Confirmation • Students cannot enter the course until the announcement is confirmed!
Assignments • Options to return assignments for reworking • Keep it, don't release or return it yet • Release to [student's name] or • Returned for reworking to [student's name] • Attaching documents – super easy
CourseLive • Synchronous conference with text chat, whiteboard, PowerPoint and image presentation, option to record/save. • Options to allow/restrict: • text chat • drawing tools • audio/video
Forum • Forum Types: • Instructor posts questions; students reply • Students start threads; can see previous posts • Students cannot see other posts until they post • Forum Options: • Avatar – select image, upload photo, make Voki • Student Information – IM, phone, info, email, website • Editing Options – views, erase, edit, forward, reply • Record Audio/Video – record; audio/video
Equation Editor (WYSIWYG) • Available in forum, assignments and tests!
Paste from Word • Removes printer tags from HTML code!
Speed Dater • Change the dates of your course items all at once or select items to change!
TimelineSessions (learning modules) • Description Area • Coursework • Assignments • Forum • Materials • Tests
Webstorium/Materials(learning object repository/file manager) • All file types & URLs • No size limit* • Ability to share materials among courses/instructors • Allows for private materials • Metadata input • Search options • Included with LMS! * Must take student bandwidth limits into account.
Your Innovations Group Discussion & Sharing Ideas
Innovation & Sharing Group Discussion (Groups write down two or more innovative uses for the following LMS tools , then share the best 2-3 group ideas)
For more information about the Raritan Valley Community College experience with WebStudy contact:Holly Smythe (hsmythe@raritanval.edu) or Melanie Morris (mmorris@raritanval.edu) For more information about WebStudy contact:Judy Stevens (jstevens@webstudy.com) THANKS FOR ATTENDING & SHARING!
Group Discussion Worksheet(As a group, write down two or more innovative uses for the following LMS tools; prepare to share!)
Group Discussion Worksheet(As a group, write down two or more innovative usesfor the following LMS tools; prepare to share!)
E-mail Addresses (Please fill in your name and email if you would like to receive a compiled list of innovative uses of LMS tools)