Navigate 3.1.1 LMS Tool Categories Quest

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 too many possibilities of features associated with a LMS to name them all. I will name the ones that I consider to be the most relevant in relations to effective online instruction.

Communication is Key to an effective LMS- this includes communication between the  instructor and whole class, instructor and individual students, students with students, etc... Communication can be done in numerous ways online from email in the LMS, announcements, instant messaging, audio or video conferencing, blogging, discussion boards, and much more. These items must be in place, be easy to use, and reliable for the online environment to be successful.

Student Assessment and Grade book are two other features that can make or break an effective LMS. Teachers need quizzes, tests, project uploads, etc.. in an user friendly format for them to implement in their class. Students also need this to be easy for them to access and utilize. It needs to be able to calculate the scores and keep up with grades to take this off the teacher's plate. A drop box is also optimal for ease of turning in assignments.

Class Materials and content are crucial to the LMS. Teachers should be able to upload materials from PDF files, word documents, PowerPoint, videos, and audio at a touch of a button. It should be also relatively easy for students to gain access to all of the class materials without lots of hoops to jump through. LOR is a must to be able to have access to all of the materials available and to share with all in the class.

Activity Management is an integral part of a LMS. Teachers should be able to monitor their students and their activity in the program including what assignments have been turned in or not, discussion board threads, blogs, messages, emails, and time spent on each activity. This needs to be all bundle up in a easy to interrupt data package and reports to run and print that are is not complicated and time consuming.

These are just a few of the features associated with a LMS. Below are other items that are also important in a LMS.