3.00 Credits
This course explores the role of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in the learning context. It investigates how LMS directly supports aspects of learning through curriculum repository, instruction/lesson design and execution, and assessment. It also examines using LMS and other data (a) to assess the efficacy of the student learning experience/lesson and (b) as a tool to individualize learning. Students will formally evaluate the advantages and challenges associated with a range of contemporary LMS. They will build learning experiences/lessons capitalizing upon functions associated with LMS such as discussion boards, blogs, journals, online face-to-face collaboration, tests/quizzes, and polls. This will be done with synchronous and asynchronous modes of delivery in mind, and will develop appropriate communication/collaboration environments accordingly. Students will utilize LMS functionalities for content creation and display, and will adopt sound instructional design principles for online learning based upon Center for Applied Special Technology/Universal Design for Learning ideas. Twenty-five percent of the course includes an in-depth hands-on learning unit in instructional design using Blackboard LMS. Over the entire course, students use Blackboard and one of Google Classroom/Edmodo/Moodle to design and develop end-to- end (curriculum-instruction-assessment-reflection-revision) online lessons/learning experiences complete with peer evaluation. Three credit hours.