How LMS is to be used in literacy staff professional development environment
The web-based version of Literacy Program is to provide online training that might be more convenient for some individuals—especially those with computer
savvy—and less threatening for staff who were uncomfortable sharing views and ideas in traditional workshops. Beyond convenience and reassurance, however, online training courses exposes staff to the new LMS, potentially increase staff understanding and appreciation of students' experiences with e-learning,
encouraging the incorporation of appropriate strategies in designing their own e-learning courses (Thurab-Nkhosi, Lee, M. & Gachago, 2005, p. 4).
Thurab-Nkhosi, D., Lee, M. & Gachago, D. ( 2005). Preparing academic staff for e-learning at the University of Botswana. Innovate, 2 (1). Retrieved from http://www.innovateonline.info/pdf/vol2_issue1/Preparing_Academic_Staff_for_e-Learning_at_the_University_of_Botswana.pdf
Morland, D. & Bivens, H.(2004). Designing instructional articles in online courses for adult learners. Innovate, 1 (2). Retrieved from http://www.innovateonline.info/pdf/vol1_issue2/Designing_Instructional_Articles_in_Online_Courses_for_Adult_Learners.pdf
This article is useful for a discussion of the Instructional article - a short and concise document conveying relevant, critical information to support
concepts, procedures, and/or performance-based skills. An instructional article is written specifically to communicate the content-knowledge necessary for improved, more advanced performance.In the face to face course this was primarily the type of print material cntained in the print booklets produced.
Downes, S. (2005). Places to go: Moodle. Innovate, 2 (2).Retrieved from http://www.innovateonline.info/pdf/vol2_issue2/Places_to_Go-__Moodle.pdf
Downes in discussing benefits of Moodle as a LMS states 'design is explicitly informed by a social constructionist pedagogy, an approach that emphasizes interaction over content' (2005, p. 1) and continues with the fact that there are four major concepts behind Moodle: constructivism, constructionism, social constructivism,
and the concepts of connected and separate behavior (2005, p. 1). Schoolbox - the LMS being introduced into our school hopefully has similar benefits, though it is neither free nor widely used at present.
Potential effectiveness LMS in literacy staff professional development environment
Cost effective, reduces the length of time the staff member running the course is required to be available face to face - as in future can be run as an online course major changes only may require traditional program delivery
Some teachers learn from peers and mentors rather than through formal professional development. The knowledge/strategies/worksheets/templates will be available and updated in an accessible and central location and can be passed from one teacher to another, informally and in the context of their teaching.
Teachers unable to attend face to face workshops can view material and ask for assistance
When and where access to learning materials
Allows poor time staff to skim information, strategies,etc already made available without the need for them to search, allowing them to then concentrate on issues relevant to their situation
Allows staff who are wanting further information, clarification etc to follow up easily
Wen teachers see the whole picture may act as incentive for them to participate in future sessions
Assists teachers with modeling ways of sharing information about what is there, and what works.
Promotion active learning
More systematic instructional design - staff and eventually students will become familiar with characteristics LMS
The web-based version of Literacy Program is to provide online training that might be more convenient for some individuals—especially those with computer
savvy—and less threatening for staff who were uncomfortable sharing views and ideas in traditional workshops. Beyond convenience and reassurance, however, online training courses exposes staff to the new LMS, potentially increase staff understanding and appreciation of students' experiences with e-learning,
encouraging the incorporation of appropriate strategies in designing their own e-learning courses (Thurab-Nkhosi, Lee, M. & Gachago, 2005, p. 4).
Thurab-Nkhosi, D., Lee, M. & Gachago, D. ( 2005). Preparing academic staff for e-learning at the University of Botswana. Innovate, 2 (1). Retrieved from
http://www.innovateonline.info/pdf/vol2_issue1/Preparing_Academic_Staff_for_e-Learning_at_the_University_of_Botswana.pdf
Morland, D. & Bivens, H.(2004). Designing instructional articles in online courses for adult learners. Innovate, 1 (2). Retrieved from
http://www.innovateonline.info/pdf/vol1_issue2/Designing_Instructional_Articles_in_Online_Courses_for_Adult_Learners.pdf
This article is useful for a discussion of the Instructional article - a short and concise document conveying relevant, critical information to support
concepts, procedures, and/or performance-based skills. An instructional article is written specifically to communicate the content-knowledge necessary for improved, more advanced performance.In the face to face course this was primarily the type of print material cntained in the print booklets produced.
Downes, S. (2005). Places to go: Moodle. Innovate, 2 (2).Retrieved from
http://www.innovateonline.info/pdf/vol2_issue2/Places_to_Go-__Moodle.pdf
Downes in discussing benefits of Moodle as a LMS states 'design is explicitly informed by a social constructionist pedagogy, an approach that emphasizes interaction over content' (2005, p. 1) and continues with the fact that there are four major concepts behind Moodle: constructivism, constructionism, social constructivism,
and the concepts of connected and separate behavior (2005, p. 1). Schoolbox - the LMS being introduced into our school hopefully has similar benefits, though it is neither free nor widely used at present.
Potential effectiveness LMS in literacy staff professional development environment