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+ Blended Learning VS. Technology Integration

+ What is a Learning Management System (LMS)? LMS is: An online management tool used in the classroom Electronic classroom/electronic coarse work LMS provides: student -->teacher engagement, student -->student engagement Online collaboration Constant engagement & collaboration --> anytime/anywhere

+ Face-to-Face Instruction & LMS 1. Do you use clickers in your classroom? Post results to on online discussion  students can discuss/debate results online 2. Go paperless! Post assignments and assessments online  instant results 3. Tired of repeating yourself? Record an online instructional video for students  students can view anytime and anywhere

+ LMS Options: Instructure Canvas Schoology Edmodo

+ Strengths: ability to align instruction to Common Core and state standards, connects teachers, students, parents, and administrators, and it’s easy to use and mobile friendly! Weaknesses: technology reliable, students will needs to be tech savvy, and many tools to learn how to use Tools: video and audio-helps students feel connected in the classroom, automated task management for the classroom(attendance, seating charts, behavior charts), collaborative workspace, online discussion(student-to-student/student-to- teacher/teacher-to-parents), eportfolios, allows students to share collaborate, and discuss ideas, canvas facilitates online quizzes, exams, and assignments Usability: I would give this LMS a 4 out of 5 for its usability; Canvas is known for its ease of use and adoption processes Tech Support: extensive support center online, network forums, product forums, community forums, and online guides

+ Strengths: award winning mobile app – use one app to manage classroom, empowers students through collaboration – share ideas online, and it uses one platform – manage all classroom activities and third party tools using one platform, no outside technologies necessary Weaknesses: relies on technology, not all students have access to devices to use LMS at home, and takes time to teach students LMS Tools: Centralized curriculum and content management (centralized platform), uses pedagogical approach, shares content and documents instantly, instant communication and engagement between students, teachers, and parents, and allows for mobile learning Usability: I would rate this LMS 3 out of 5, due to it performance and adoptability, which will take some time to train students on how to use the LMS Tech. Support: online support center, schoology blog, community support forum, and tech blog

+ Strengths: connects education and technology in one place, collaborate with other teachers to improve outcomes, personalize how you use Edmodo in your classroom, and it’s free! Weaknesses: relies on technology, reliance on technology can potentially create learning gaps, and was developed in 2008, which makes it a fairly new system Tools: post discussions, collect polls, award badges, share with teachers, ask teachers, Usability: Edmodo is the number one social networking used in K-12 classroom, which proves it is easy to use. I would rate this LMS at 4 out of 5 for its ease of use. Tech. Support: help center, quick guides, video tutorials, classroom and training resources, and Edmodo offers webinars,

+ Learning LMS It takes time to learn any new concept, learning how to operate any LMS will take some time and getting use to. Each of LMS discussed are different and offer different tools and operate differently. Adopting a LMS to use in our district will take some training and time, but the outcome will improve teaching!

+ Recommendation