I chose to focus on a few specifics that I would include in my LMS of the future. The article mentioned creating goals for the learner. At the beginning of study the learner should write their goals and make them explicit. LMS gives the instructor, the student, and other class members the ability to share written information easily. Since distance students will come from a more varied background that traditional college students it is even more important that all stake holders are aware of the goals so that they can be monitored with a greater chance of success.
The article discussed faulty and researchers sharing ideas. As locality becomes less of a factor I would like to see courses that bridge universities. As there is less money to go around, if universities developed partnerships they could offer a wider variety of courses without increasing their costs. Instead of not offering a course because too few are interested they could expand their pool to multiple universities and gain students.
Finally the article touched on more individualized instruction. I really like the idea of instructional shells where the teacher is assigning specific things based on need. I also like the idea of the student having more choice in their learning. Students often know best what they them selves need to practice or areas where they would like to delve deeper. Small technical advance also help instructors aid students more. Things such as online office hours or screen sharing between instructor and student and student and instructor are small tools which may have a big impact.
As more students join the work place and more adults head back to further their education LMSs and their quality will be ever more vital to a first class education system.
- Login to post comments