Assignment: Learning Management System at GU
Measurement Methods
The new leaning management system would be a success if it is aligned to objectives of GU. The LMS would also eventually be measured based on a variety of factors like GU policies, environment in which learning is performed, training process and others. There are four ways in which LMS could be used for ensuring effective and better learning measurement:
• One of the end goals of LMS should be effective measurement of learning. When measurement is set as an objective right in the beginning, all the inputs from different stakeholders are aligned with it.
• LMS should be overall strategy not just a tool. While measurements are already present as processes like assessments are conducted after training, these are not mapped to the LMS. The LMS would offer measurement processes like assessments, surveys, etc. For the users of LMS survey should be conducted after three months of usage of LMS and changes in their performance should be evaluated.
• Users of LMS should be clearly communicated about evaluation process. If they know about a process they would be more open to share pros and cons of LMS.
• Scheduled processes for evaluating performance should be defined to run at regular intervals. This would provide a continuous data input for change in performance of users. If there are significant deviations in the data, it would suggest need for some re-work in the LMS.
The data from LMS can be utilized through reports and usage patterns. It would provide an indication of intensity of system usage by students and faculty.
Faculty could be asked about what features would they like in the new system, what kind of experiences are they expecting with LMS and how would it impact teaching and learning. On similar lines, students could be asked what features would they like in the new system and how do they expect LMS to improve their course experiences. Through these data points there would be a current baseline of understanding and expectations of a learning management system.
Students and faculty would be asked to log on to the GU intranet to access the survey for LMS. It would be continuous reminders to take the survey within a specified time period and it would be mandatory for all faculty and students.
Sample Survey Questions
Q. What do you think are benefits and features of LMS?
Q. Do you think you have technical skills to use LMS or would you require training to use the new system?
Q. What would be your expected usage of the system?
Q. What would you use the LMS mostly for?
Q. Do you believe that you can improve your learning with the help of LMS? How?
Q. Do you think LMS would be better than traditional instruction method?
Q. Would you give suggestions for improvement in learning management system?
The data from survey would be provided to instructional designers for improvements to the new system. The results from surveys would be used to get insight into what are the expectations from LMS and how it would link to meet learning and teaching requirements of students and faculty respectively. In addition, the LMS team would get some points to ponder like:
- How could GU increase LMS reliability and availability?
- What are important considerations in planning out faculty trainings for use of LMS?
- How can GU achieve the goal of improving student satisfaction with LMS?
- What are the future developments that would contribute most to learning?
References:
1. Gautam, A. (2010). Five Ways to Use an LMS for Effective Learning Measurement. Retrieved from
https://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2010/04/07/five-ways-to-use-an-lms-for-effective-learning-measurement/