How to Choose Course Management Software

Students in 21st century classes expect to be taught with the tools of 21st century technology. But technology alone is not enough to help most students progress; they still need the time and attention of a skilled teacher.  And since each student has unique learning needs and is receptive to different methods of instruction, a course management system must provide multiple communication forums between teachers and students.  Schools who sign up to use the free IQity Learning Management Suite find it to be an outstanding solution because it offers several ways that teachers can teach and students can learn.

Collaboration Tools

Students need to feel part of a learning community.  That's why brick-and-mortar schools work hard to develop a sense of school pride.  Good course management software can promote a sense of community for e-school students or students in a blended learning environment.   The IQity Learning Management Suite features an online Homeroom where students and teachers can connect and receive information on school events. In addition, teachers can create a customized webpage for their class using their colors and logos, and pictures or other relevant graphics. Students can easily tell general school events on a calendar from those by their own teachers because events are color-coded. Communication between students and teachers is critical to the learning process. Students taking an online class need to be able to ask questions and seek clarifications, even though they are not in a physical classroom with the teacher. In the IQity Learning Management Suite, students and teachers are connected via a secure, closed-circuit e-mail messaging system (See our IQity brochure for more details.) This system is only available to IQ-ity users, which helps manage and deter any inappropriate messages between students.   The system keeps teachers and students connected and focused on learning.

Webcasting

Course management software should have tools that allow students to work together.  Students can also use the Liveboard feature in the IQity Learning Management Suite for group projects with other IQity users.  With the Liveboard, students can collaborate with students in other schools, within their district or anywhere across the globe. 

Another vital feature of good course management software is enabling students to interact with their instructors in real time. The IQity Learning Management Suite includes a real-time webcasting tool that allows teachers to lecture to the class live.  At the same time, teachers can use the electronic whiteboard to write notes or other content students can see.  During the live lesson, teachers and students can communicate via Instant Messaging on the whiteboard to discuss topics and answer questions in real time.

Content

Students who are part of today's "Millennial Generation" have been using computers and other high-tech devices their whole lives.   To challenge them, learning must be presented in a variety of formats from videos to virtual labs to interactive programs.  With the IQity Learning Management Suite, educators have access to IQity REACTOR, a continually growing repository of electronic educational content including: lessons, quizzes, assignments, labs, study guides, videos, tests, and biographies, with a variety of delivery media available.

Course Management Software Costs

Budgetary pressures are affecting the spending decisions of many schools, so the costs of course management software will be a factor in decision making. Whereas some e-classroom software systems like ANGEL are purchased, IQity is free to schools and school districts. To see how your school can use IQity's e-Learning Management System, you can request an online demonstration conducted by one of our staff members.