The Learning Management System – The resource hub for all of your e-learning needs

One of the first things that you will have to learn once you start on your e-learning academic journey is how to navigate the academic institution’s learning management system.  So, you may be asking yourself…What is a learning management system (LMS)?  A LMS is a software application that delivers educational content in the online learning environment.  Universities and colleges use the LMS for a variety of purposes such as:  accessing to e-books and resources, presenting assignments and exams, the collaboration of conversation between students and instructors, and the viewing of calendar entries for time management purposes.  Popular learning management systems include Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle.  Some online institutions even have created their own application systems to complete these types of academic tasks.  No matter which LMS your university or college is deploying, you need to learn how to successfully use it.  Here are some tips to guide you along:

• Contact your academic adviser to see if training is available before you start your first online course. If the university does not offer student training ask the academic adviser if he or she can show you through a synchronous meeting method (held remotely in real-time using web technologies).
• Review videos online – Youtube.com has many options.
• Keep technical support contact information close by just in case you need extra help.

Once you are familiar with the LMS, look to see if there is an app you can add to your smart phone.  If so, download it and you will most likely be able to view content, watch videos, and participate in discussion boards on the go.