Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Learning Management Systems (LMS) are digital tools that include a lot of applications in one tool. LMS’s can be considered a one-stop shop for managing digital learning. They allow for file management, notifications, assignment submission, descriptive feedback, online discussions and tracking.

Teachers can choose to use a LMS for a variety of reasons. These reasons could include;

  • simplifying management of digital resources and assignments

  • encouraging student voice and accountable talk through online collaboration

  • collect and share digital resources to facilitate student choice in how they learn (personalization and differentiation)

While there are many Learning Management Systems, some examples are outlined in the table below.

Tool

About

Safety Considerations

Resources

Provincial virtual Learning Environment, vLE  (formerly known as D2L)

  • supported provincially

  • can be used for both eLearning (fully online courses) and blended learning (face-to-face classes using digital tools to supplement and support learning)

  • public school boards have contacts in the board to support teachers gaining access and getting started

  • can integrate with Google Drive or Office 365 for submitting files

  • web-based

  • works on: laptops, chromebooks, iPads, tablets

  • ask school/board contact for access info

  • secure and often connected to school board information systems (resulting in automated enrolment of your students)

  • closed environment, student discussions and work not public resulting in same risk as sharing face-to-face in classroom

coursehelp.ca

Google Classroom

  • less features than a LMS like the vLE or Moodle, but quicker learning curve for teachers and students

  • works with Google Drive

  • easy to hand out files to students and collect assignments

  • makes organization of the excellent collaboration aspects of Google Drive easier

  • discussion forum for basic online discussions and announcements

  • some other apps can be integrated and linked

  • web-based or mobile app

  • works on: laptops, chromebooks, iPads, tablets

  • ask school/board contact for access info if you have Google Apps for Education

  • if no access to Google Apps For Education (GAFE) accounts through board, the age limit is 13 for creating a Google Account and implications for student personal information needs to be considered

Google Classroom Help

Edmodo

  • less intense of a LMS than the vLE, but more features than Google Classroom (as of August 2015)

  • web-based or mobile app

  • sharing of files, submitting assignments and online discussions

  • some other apps can be integrated and linked

  • parent accounts can be created

  • works on: laptops, chromebooks, iPads, tablets

  • it is a “closed” environment where material stays within, but students have to have accounts and can possibly share personal information

Edmodo Help Centre