As you know, an LMS is an interface used by institutions to host their online classes, which includes course content, quizzes, assignments, online discussions, multimedia, learning objects, and more. Most LMS's are cloud-based, thus students and instructors can log into their course from any computer or mobile device. An LMS protects student data (meets FERPA guidelines), allows instructors to track student logins, grades, and progress through the course, and provides a number of tools to help increase student engagement in the online environment. In this module, we will focus on the tools in the LMS that encourage student engagement with the material, their peers, and their instructor.

Most institutions in the USG use the D2L Brightspace Daylight learning environment. The training in the USG Series uses this LMS and the instructions that follow are for this particular learning environment. If your institution uses a different LMS, you will want to obtain training from them. Remember to use the Universal Design for Learning tools from each module to support your remote learners who cannot access the LMS.