Creating Learning Opportunities: Course Management Systems

     Blogger Diane Ravitch said, “The virtue of a computer in the classroom is that it requires a user, not a watcher.”  Because computers require users, not watchers, students may become more engaged should a teacher use a Course Management System (CMS).  A CMS can be used for distance learning, hybrid classes, or simply to enhance face-to-face interaction in a traditional classroom setting.

     Some advantages of using a CMS tool are that it exposes students to more online resources, offers an easy and secure exchange of data, caters to multiple types of learners by using multimedia resources, reduces dependency, and may increase interaction between instructors and students.

     Instructors can easily add online resource links to a CMS.  Students can access these websites while completing an assignment or checking a grade on their CMS.  In traditional classroom settings, an instructor would have to print out links on paper or write it on the board for students to acquire the links.  Students may lose the printed sheet or may forget to write the link down from the board.  If an instructor were to use a CMS, students would have immediate access to it at all times.  Learning is not limited to the classroom.  Not only may students be exposed to more technology tools online, but they may also be exposed to other individuals in various parts of the world.

     Instructors and students may upload, store, and share resources and assignments on a CMS tool.  There would be no worry of losing graded papers or grade books. Students can easily click on documents or links to access information on a CMS tool.

     Multimedia tools may be uploaded on a CMS tool.  Videos and images may be viewed.  Hyperlinks can be made with the click of a button or by entering a code.  Students currently live in a digital world.  “While classrooms are limited to words spoken and written by instructors, and is trapped in hard copies of materials distributed for reference, blended learning via a CMS goes far and beyond” (Thanekar, 2013).  Learners can access videos, podcasts, text files, images, and more.

     “Missing face-to-face learning will not mean loss of crucial information for your learner while using a CMS for managing blended learning programs” (Thanekar, 2013).  Students will have access to assignments, notes, and any information instructors may have at all times of the day.  Students may learn at their own pace by watching, reading, or practicing any information given on the CMS tool provided they meet final due dates for all assignments.  Students take on more responsibility for their learning because they would need to learn how to manage their time to learn and complete tasks.

     Many people believe that face-to-face instruction brings a personal touch to learning.  According to the Blackboard website, a CMS can “enhance student-to-student and faculty-to-student communication” (1998).  Students can communicate with others via text and video e-mail, chats and instant messaging, and web-conferencing tools.

     Students currently live in a digital world.  They have already grown accustomed to using so many technological devices that it seems only appropriate to incorporate some form of technology in their learning as well.  Course management systems afford students the opportunity to be exposed to more resources around the clock, become more engaged in lessons, and have greater access to their classmates and instructor.  Students are required to be “users” of technology, which allows them to take on more responsibility of their learning.  Course management systems can enhance traditional classroom practices.

Sources

(1998). Educational benefits of online learning. Retrieved May 20, 2014 
     from Blackboard Inc.Website: http://blackboardsupport.calpoly.edu/
     content/faculty/handouts/Ben_Online.pdf

Thanekar, P. (2013). 10 advantages of leveraging LMS for blended learning. 
     Retrieved May 20, 2014 from the Upside Learning Website: 
     http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2013/04/30/10-        

      advantages-of-leveraging-lms-for-blended-learning/