Learning management systems (LMS) are becoming increasingly common across higher education institutions. This is why those entering higher education careers must become adept at not only LMS, but also understanding how to use these systems in a variety of situations.
For newcomers to the higher education field, or for those wanting to level up their expertise, an advanced degree program might be the right course of action. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Higher Education online program from Arkansas State University (A-State) covers both fundamental aspects of higher education roles as well as new technologies like LMS.
Understanding Learning Management Systems (LMS)
A Class.com article defines a learning management system as “an online software for creating, delivering, tracking and reporting educational courses, progress, and outcomes.” Though these tools are popular for hybrid and online courses, educators can also use them to support in-person teaching. Some of the most popular aspects of LMS are course creation, online testing, progress dashboards and virtual classrooms.
For higher education institutions offering online degrees, the value of a good LMS is obvious. A single LMS can provide all the tools necessary for delivering high-quality, educational content in a virtual setting. LMS is also useful when it comes to tracking student progress and goals or storing and distributing academic resources. They can be used to give students additional support beyond day-to-day classes.
Customization and Personalization With LMS
According to a report on higher education referenced in Class.com, 99% of campuses already had a LMS in place. Eighty-five percent of faculty and 83% of students confirmed they used the technology, too. It is no wonder that reliance on LMS continues to grow, alongside the proliferation of online courses in recent years.
With the increase in usage of LMS, these tools have also become more customizable. There are many different ways that educators can use LMS to support students with educational goals. Examples include blended learning and gamification, which both harness the power of technology to make learning more engaging.
LMS can also help with “differentiated learning,” as eLearning Industry explains. Rather than teaching all students the same material at the same pace, tracking progress with data can help educators understand which students need more time or additional resources. Educators can adjust their approach with the added insights and tools offered from an LMS.
LMS Integration With Teaching Methodologies
Some studies have already shown the usefulness of LMS when it is integrated into more traditional teaching methodologies. For example, a study on one particular LMS determined that it had a “positive impact on all aspects of the teaching and learning process, of importance here are student performance, pass rates, average exam scores, final course grades.” Knowing all of this, it seems natural that higher education faculty and administrators must also learn to embrace the use of LMS to enhance student outcomes.
There are several courses within A-State’s online M.S. in Higher Education that can help. For example, Organization and Administration of College Student Personnel Services covers vital principles and practices used in administration roles. College Student Development deals with theories on supporting development in higher education students while also pointing to modes of delivery, like tracking development progress. The coursework, experienced faculty and flexible student experience make A-State’s online M.S. in Higher Education program ideal for graduates who want to make a positive impact in many educational roles.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Master of Science in Higher Education program.