What is an LMS?

What is a LMS?

What is an LMS and why should I use one?  You may have heard the term LMS (Learning Management System) talked about in meetings, or read about in the board docs or ACTS notes.  Well, what is it? And more importantly, why are moving in this direction?

An LMS is a learning management system that will provide a true one stop user experience for your teaching materials, assessment tools, projects, rubrics, learning outcomes, group conferencing,  etc. The learning management system we have chosen to purchase is Canvas. Canvas is a large company that currently provides LMS functionality to many major universities, the Virginia Community College System,  and the entire K-12 public school system in North Carolina. Canvas allows you to create assessments, manage instructional content, conduct group discussions or video chats/leave student feedback, create rubrics, and will auto grade your assessment materials.  Canvas integrates with all the G Suite apps you use right now, maintaining cross platform compatibility with Google Drive. Also, Canvas will allow you to use installed LTI* “apps” like Discovery Ed, No Red Ink, eMediaVA, Flipgrid, WeVideo, and many more directly from your Canvas home page. *Learning Tool Interoperability

You will be able to create robust formative and summative  assessments from a well sourced bank of vetted questions, and any assessment question you create will automatically be archived within Canvas’ question bank.  The assessments you create, and those of the assessment bank, known as Gauge, are tied to the Virginia Standards of Learning. So you can rest assured the assessments that are made and shared are relevant and related to the standards you’re teaching.

Inside Canvas you can create classes, courses, modules, and small groups based on your specific needs.  Those groups can be anything from instructing students, online learning, professional development, or PLN/PLCs.  All of these can all benefit from the integrated collaboration tools within Canvas. Additionally, Canvas will be tied to our Student Information System (SIS) so all your classes will roster automatically, but that will not prevent you from creating your own classes, courses, clubs, or PD/PLN groups.  As an instructional professional you will have the ability to create groups within and across classes for personalized instruction or targeted interventions. The wealth of functionality within Canvas is really impressive. Additionally, your ability to flip your lessons, incorporate blended learning, or teach synchronously or asynchronously will be greatly enhanced with Canvas.

As technology advances we in CCPS have recognized the need of something that truly unifies our many needs:  Course/class/module creation, assessments, SIS integration, and many, many others. Training will be coming to make you comfortable with using Canvas.

Burning questions teachers have: What do I do with it? How do I start? When can I begin? Who has access? What can I add to my already awesome teaching?

Don’t fret! Join the Instructional Technology Team and other like-minded teachers to get in the know right
from the start. The “Canvas Kickoff” will commence during three half-day sessions in August. You will learn
about creating courses, best practices, and, of course, integrating Canvas with Google and other awesome
digital resources we currently have.

Simply sign in to SDRWeb and “Search Available Classes” for “Tech Canvas Kickoff” to register.

There are morning and afternoon sessions for August 9, 13, and 14. This means you have 6 interactive,
informative, and creative sessions to choose from! To prepare for this awesome opportunity, to get in
on the ground floor, and to be a pioneer, there is a self-paced, online “Introduction to Canvas Course”
as a prerequisite. This can be done at your leisure from wherever you wish.

Come join us for the “Canvas Kickoff” and paint a new beginning in your classroom using Canvas.

Author Information

Matt Tobin is a graduate of Monacan HS.  After completing his degree in elementary  education from VCU he began his teaching career at Chalkley ES.  When not occupied by the wonderful world of edTECH Matt enjoys riding his mountain bike.

                          

Kari Kuebler has served in education for 24 years, 21 of which have been within Chesterfield County Public Schools. She taught in the elementary school setting and is passionate about her position as a technology integrator. Kari attended University of South Carolina - Coastal Carolina, and Virginia State University earning a Masters in Education. At home in Chesterfield County, she has a wonderful son and her favorite pastimes include biking, hiking, camping and generally staying active. Kari grew up in Chicago and is an avid Chicago Bears fan!