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As I learn more about the purpose and functionality of a LMS I am also gaining insight into how virtual teachers can effectively and efficiently manage an online classroom.  The features of a LMS are varied and each serve a distinct role in helping a teacher do just that- content, communication, and classroom management.

 

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While there is value to each of the LMS's tools, there are also a set of features that prove to be especially relevant to online instruction.  In no particular order, the following three features are what I believe to be most important in the e-learning environment:

No. 1: Teacher Information
Within the teacher information feature are two tools that are very important for running an efficient online classroom: course calendar and class bulletin board.  Maybe it is my type A personality, always functioning better with a schedule, to-do list, and deadline, but I believe that without this updated information in the hands of your students, your virtual classroom will simply not function for the benefit of you or them. 

Unlike a traditional brick-and-mortar classroom where the teacher has a daily presence to remind students of upcoming dates and pertinent housekeeping items, the teacher information feature within a LMS serves this purpose in a virtual classroom.

No. 2: Communication
Communication is the key... Such a simple statement and yet so true to all things personal and professional.  It is no surprise that my second essential feature within a LMS are the communication tools: email, instant message, and discussion boards.  As mentioned above, a virtual teacher is not in front of her students for the open communication and the natural questions and concerns that a traditional teacher experiences daily.  Communication tools within a LMS serves the instructor by making themselves available to students and parents.

No. 3: ePortfolio
The first two tools mentioned above are essential features for the instructor's effective management of an online learning environment.  Yet, I believe that students would most benefit from the e-portfolio feature.  One of our largest tasks as teachers is preparing students for the world of post-secondary education and work.  With more emphasis being placed on technology to brand and market yourself to prospective colleges and companies (hello, LinkedIn), students must have early exposure to building an impressive image of themselves.  What was once the skill of writing resumes is now the skill of building e-portfolios.

Of course within the online environment, e-portfolios could be utilized as capstone projects, much like my blog for the TOOL.  The biggest purpose is for students to gain experience creating and reflecting on artifacts, as well as organizing those artifacts in a professional manner.

P.S.- Can I tell you how difficult it was to narrow my choices of LMS features down to three?!?!  I am looking forward to exploring what content creation and analytics looks like in the virtual classroom, as well as going into more detail on the role communication in later posts... so be sure to stick around!