Let’s stop fighting about which LMS is best

Since I am finishing my 3 years in the Instructional Technology Resource Teacher role, I’ve had several people ask me lately which Learning Management System (LMS) I will be using when I go back to the classroom in September. The choices are many–Desire2Learn (D2L), Google Apps for Education (GAFE), Office 365, Edmodo and blogging platforms to name a few. There’s also been a lot of talk about each system in my online network in the last few weeks, mostly due to the OTRK12 conference and Google Summit.

Frankly, I’ve been pretty disappointed in the tone of these online conversations. The tone is: “If you are not using ________, you’re not as smart as me.” Or better yet: “You’re just a sheep.” It doesn’t really matter which system, they all have their evangelists.

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A simple tool can make a big impact.

This video (shared by George Couros during his talks in Peel) shows how a simple survey tool was used by a teacher to connect personally with her students. It’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to try to meet the students where they are. Sometimes people and especially today’s “screen”agers will share more online than they will in person. After that inital contact, deeper relationships can be forged.  Continue reading

Do you know about these excellent digital resources in Peel?

Learn360

  • Access from Video Resources chiclet on your MySite
  • Videos for all subjects and grades
  • Short clips (great to activate knowledge or if you are flipping your classroom).
  • Full length feature films (Hollywood and Classic). Click on the link in the middle of the home page to see a list of titles in English and French.
  • Download, favourite or add to a playlist
  • Teacher Resources ready to use in the classroom are available for many videos
  • Students can currently view Learn360 videos through the OERB (see below). 

 

Ontario Education Resource Bank (OERB)

  • Lessons, animated interactive activities and  assessments for all subjects
  • Download for use offline or link to resource in Angel course
  • Check the FAQs of the Peel21st chiclet (Teaching and Learning) for the passwords or ask your ITRT.

 Resources.elearningontario.ca

 For easy access to your course’s resources:

  • Log in and Click SEARCH
  • Choose the Browse by Curriculum tab
  • Choose the grade, subject and strand
  • Click Search by Strand
  • Scroll down to see resources
 For students to find Learn360 videos, do a Simple Search and change the database to Learn360

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peel’s Library eResources

  • An excellent alternative to “googling” for students
  • Access to database search of extensive high-quality resources
  • 65+ databases and services
  • No password required at school
  • Check with your librarian for the home password

www.peelschools.org 

  • click on Students
  • click on Library eResources