Best Practices in Learning Management Systems

(LMS)

Amanda Wesley

317.886.0212

Amanda.Wesley@AmericanHonors.org

Plan Ahead! • Create folder structure first • Make sure all important documents, assignments

& due dates are included one Day 1• Restrict student access to unused items

Organization - Use Modules

Separate out term-length resources

Limit Repetition of Due Dates• Plan for future edits!• Due dates from assignments automatically add to

calendar

Overview Pages are Key

Provide Powerpoint Handouts

● In Powerpoint, Go to Print● Print What: Handouts● Output: Grayscale ● Save as PDF

Context, Context, Context

Everything posted within your course should be scaffolded with context

• How does it relate back to the core themes of the chapter/course?

• What questions should students be considering as they review?

• Is there something you want them to pay attention to or look for?

Add Files & Links Directly into Modules

Add Files & Links Directly into Modules

Get Creative and Embed!

Get Creative and Embed!

Blackboard

Get Creative and Embed!

Canvas

Quickly add Flickr Creative Commons Images

Canvas

Blackboard

Assignments• LMS gradebook should accurately reflect all

coursework - including in-class – Simple points grading policy preferred

• Promote active discussion boards– Prompts:

• 1(+) sentence initial question• 1(+) sentence directing responses• 1(+) sentence qualifying responses

– Length, quality, timing, resources• Rubrics are preferred for grading • Use question pools for quizzes & exams

Thank you!