Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Learning Management System (LMS) - a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting and delivery of educational courses or training programs. Learning management systems help the instructor deliver material to the students, communicate with students and parents, administer tests and other assignments, track student progress, and manage record-keeping.

PlusPortals

The required LMS at Saint Ignatius College Prep for inputting grades, taking attendance and managing classes. Offers other optional functionality, allowing you to curate a class page, post documents, assign homework, email parents and students, and create online quizzes.

Links and other resources

Pros and Cons

Pros -

Easy access to important student information
LMS and gradebook all in same place
Integrated multiple choice quizzes

Cons -

Basic look and not very customizable
No "stream" feature
No integration with other products, difficult integration with other files and multimedia

In-building "Experts"

Kevin Bellie - Fine Arts, Administration

Videos and Tutorials

Posting Homework

Teacher Walkthrough

Google Classroom

An extremely popular IMS created by google that integrates easily with multiple other Google Products. Post, collect and grade assignments, share links and documents, add quizzes, create class discussions, and organize materials in folders by topics. Syncs seamlessly between iPad and online platform.

Links and other resources

Pros and Cons

Pros -

Integrates exceptionally well with other Google products, including multiple choice quizzes in Google Forms
Works and looks great on computer, tablet or phone.
New 2018 updates improve unit and material organization.

Cons -

On-text annotation only works in iPad app
Does not integrate with PlusPortals, so seperate grade, "official" grade entry is required.

In-building "Experts"

Abby Hasebrook - English
Chris Hatem - English

Videos and Tutorials

Setting Up a Class

Assigning and Grading Work

New Updates for 2018

Showbie

With this LMS Assign work, collect, and grade using comments, voice recordings, text, or handwritten annotations. This is not ideal as your only LMS, as it serves more as an in- and out-box for assignments and does not have a calendar feature or a stream to view all materials and assignments.

Links and other resources

Pros and Cons

Pros -

Comment on work in a multitude of different ways, including voice and hand written annotation

Cons -

Lacking stream or calendar features
Not much customization capability

In-building "Experts"

Looking for experts! Email chris.hatem@ignatius.org

Videos and Tutorials

Tutorial Video

Showbie 101

Canvas

Assign, collect, and grade work and quizzes, create a class calendar, message with students, make video and audio recordings, and create class discussions. Has separate apps for teachers, parents, and students. Allows for handwritten annotation, a more fully functioning version of Showbie

Links and other resources

Pros and Cons

Pros -

Fast, streamlined grading
Responsive, handwritten annotation

Cons -

Almost too feature-laden, can be complicated to use
Buggy

In-building "Experts"

Looking for experts! Email chris.hatem@ignatius.org

Videos and Tutorials

Tutorial Video

Getting Started in Canvas

iTunes U

A basic LMS that can post, collect, and grade assignments, share links and documents, and create class discussions. Similar to Google classroom, works with Apple products.

Links and other resources

Pros and Cons

Pros -

Can create well-organized, easily navigable courses
Works with Apple apps

Cons -

Very basic, non-customizable look
parents who want access their student’s assignments can only access iTunes U through an apple device.

In-building "Experts"

Looking for experts! Email chris.hatem@ignatius.org

Videos and Tutorials

Overview

Tutorial

Schoology

This LMS can post, collect and grade assignments, share links and documents, add quizzes, and create class discussions. Our incoming freshmen complete a technology course via Schoology over the summer, so they already have head start with this program.

Links and other resources

Pros and Cons

Pros -

Allows for personalization of materials without making all students aware of accomodations
Great communication tools to get all students involved

Cons -

Differences between web and iPad apps, not all features are available on all devices
No integration with other apps

In-building "Experts"

Looking for experts! Email chris.hatem@ignatius.org

Videos and Tutorials

Overview

Tutorial

Google Sites

While not technically an LMS, creating a Google Site is a great option for housing all of your class resources and communicating with students. There is no grading or attendance feature, so you will need to pair this with an LMS like the ones featured above. Very customizable and easy to use.

Links and other resources

Website
No iPad app available, web only

Pros and Cons

Pros -

Very intuitive and easy to create beautiful websites. Lots of themes and colors.
Creates versions of website that work on Computer, tablet and phone.

Cons -

Not technically an LMS. Needs to be paired with another application

In-building "Experts"

Chris Hatem - English
Matt Monroe - Social Sciences

Videos and Tutorials

Tutorial

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