LMS Tool Categories Quest (Navigate 3.1.1)

Learning Management Systems (LMS) are an integral part of a quality online learning environment.  They, in large part, can dictate the success of failure of a program.

So, what are the most relevant features offered in an LMS, which relate directly to effective online instruction?

According to efront learning, these are the seven most important features needed to provide quality online instruction:

1.  Calendar/bulletin board
2.  Webcasts
3.  Tele-Conference
4.  Chat
5.  Shared Whiteboard
6.  Time limited tests/exams
7.  Notifications

http://blog.efrontlearning.net/2014/09/features-to-support-synchronous-learning.html

How might these be used in the online environment?

1.  Calendar/bulletin board:  Keeps everyone on the same page regarding assignments, due dates, special events or deadlines.  This is critical to effective communication, in my opinion.

2.  Webcasts:  Gives educators the ability to create and save presentations that can be utilized by students whenever convenient for them.

3.  Tele-Conference:  Audio or video capability gives educators the ability to create and host synchronous sessions with student, other faculty members, or parents.

4.  Chat:  Gives students and educators the opportunity to communicate in real time with the opportunity to save and review at a later time.  

5.  Shared Whiteboard:  Being able to share with multiple attendees is a fabulous tool for educators.  Additionally, students will be able to pay better attention because they are not having to take the time to copy the notes or problems down by hand.  

6.  Time limited tests/exams:  This allows the opportunity to test students at either the same time with a limited window of time or to schedule on their own schedule but with the same time constraints as a traditional classroom environment.  Depending on the type of test, grading can be shown instantaneously upon submitting the test responses.

7.  Notifications:  Helps to keep parents, students, and educators in the know about what's happening within the online learning environment.  This goes hand in hand with the calendar and bulletin board.  Custom messages could be sent about upcoming deadlines, grades, important meetings and similar events that need to be communicated.