EDT 8140 - LMS and Evaluation
In this page I will go through the steps needed to perform the following tasks and provide an evaluation regarding the ease and quality of the result for two learning management systems, D2L and Blackboard Learn.
1. Creating Electronic Gradebook Categories and Items
2. Creating Groups
3. Creating Group Discussion Topics
4. Creating Synchronous Web Conference Session
5. Performing a Quality Check as a Demo Student
1. Creating Electronic Gradebook Categories and Items
2. Creating Groups
3. Creating Group Discussion Topics
4. Creating Synchronous Web Conference Session
5. Performing a Quality Check as a Demo Student
D2L Evaluation
1. Creating Electronic Gradebook Categories and Items - D2L
Gradebook categories and items are created from the “Grades” page. To access this page, either select GRADES from the Home page or select COURSE ADMIN from the Home page and then select “Grades” under the “Assessment” section. From either starting point, the next selection is “Manage Grades”. Here you will find a “New” button that will bring up a small window where you can select a new Category or a new Item (see arrow in figure). First select Category. This will open a dialogue window that will have places for filling in the name (required), a short name, and if needed a description. Other options also are available. When this is filled in completely, select “Save and Close” at the bottom of the screen.
Similarly, Items are defined starting with the same “New” button on the Grade page. Selecting Item opens a dialogue window similar to that for Category. Add a name and other information. In addition assign this item to a specific category using the drop down menu list.
Gradebook categories and items are created from the “Grades” page. To access this page, either select GRADES from the Home page or select COURSE ADMIN from the Home page and then select “Grades” under the “Assessment” section. From either starting point, the next selection is “Manage Grades”. Here you will find a “New” button that will bring up a small window where you can select a new Category or a new Item (see arrow in figure). First select Category. This will open a dialogue window that will have places for filling in the name (required), a short name, and if needed a description. Other options also are available. When this is filled in completely, select “Save and Close” at the bottom of the screen.
Similarly, Items are defined starting with the same “New” button on the Grade page. Selecting Item opens a dialogue window similar to that for Category. Add a name and other information. In addition assign this item to a specific category using the drop down menu list.
2. Creating Groups - D2L
From the COURSE ADMIN tab on the right, choose “Groups” under the “Learning Management” section. Groups must reside under a Category, so the first task is to set up a New Category Folder with the labeled link (see arrow in figure). Selecting this opens a window with prompts to enter a Category Name (required) and a description of the category (optional). Then several options are available below. The number of groups can be selected with options for students to self-enroll or instructor enrollment. Additional options allow for discussion areas, lockers, and dropbox folders.
From the COURSE ADMIN tab on the right, choose “Groups” under the “Learning Management” section. Groups must reside under a Category, so the first task is to set up a New Category Folder with the labeled link (see arrow in figure). Selecting this opens a window with prompts to enter a Category Name (required) and a description of the category (optional). Then several options are available below. The number of groups can be selected with options for students to self-enroll or instructor enrollment. Additional options allow for discussion areas, lockers, and dropbox folders.
3. Create Group Discussion Topics - D2L
Similar to creating groups, creating discussion topics begins at the COURSE ADMIN tab. Choose “Discussions” under the “Communication” section. Discussion topics reside within a Forum, so the first task here is to define a Forum. Select the “New” link to open the dialogue box. Enter a title for the forum (required) and a description of the forum (optional). There are options below the description which permit or deny anonymous posts, moderator approval and others such as when the forum is visible and when it is available for posting.
Once the forum is defined and saved, a Topic can be defined to reside in the Forum. This can be done via the “New” link used above to set up the Forum. This time choose “New Topic” to open a dialogue window wherein you can choose which forum the new topic belongs, add a title (required) and description (optional). Other options can be selected from this window as well including anonymous postings and times of availability. Additional options can be selected using the tabs at the top of the window to adjust restrictions, link the topic to assessments and objectives.
The video below will take you through this two-step process to create discussion topics.
Similar to creating groups, creating discussion topics begins at the COURSE ADMIN tab. Choose “Discussions” under the “Communication” section. Discussion topics reside within a Forum, so the first task here is to define a Forum. Select the “New” link to open the dialogue box. Enter a title for the forum (required) and a description of the forum (optional). There are options below the description which permit or deny anonymous posts, moderator approval and others such as when the forum is visible and when it is available for posting.
Once the forum is defined and saved, a Topic can be defined to reside in the Forum. This can be done via the “New” link used above to set up the Forum. This time choose “New Topic” to open a dialogue window wherein you can choose which forum the new topic belongs, add a title (required) and description (optional). Other options can be selected from this window as well including anonymous postings and times of availability. Additional options can be selected using the tabs at the top of the window to adjust restrictions, link the topic to assessments and objectives.
The video below will take you through this two-step process to create discussion topics.
4. Create Synchronous Web Conference Session - D2L
Web conferencing is performed using Blackboard Collaborate. To set up a new room, select “Pilot Live” under the drop down menu under the COMMUNICATION tab on the Home page. At the bottom of the resulting dialogue screen is the “New Room” button (see arrow in figure). Selecting this opens a new dialogue window. Here you can name the conference (required). Then select “Collaborate” as the Service Provider and press “Apply”. The account name should be Elluminate. A simple text description can be added and various options can be adjusted including the times the room will be available. Finally press the “Save” button at the bottom of the screen.
Web conferencing is performed using Blackboard Collaborate. To set up a new room, select “Pilot Live” under the drop down menu under the COMMUNICATION tab on the Home page. At the bottom of the resulting dialogue screen is the “New Room” button (see arrow in figure). Selecting this opens a new dialogue window. Here you can name the conference (required). Then select “Collaborate” as the Service Provider and press “Apply”. The account name should be Elluminate. A simple text description can be added and various options can be adjusted including the times the room will be available. Finally press the “Save” button at the bottom of the screen.
5. Quality Check as Demo Student - D2L
To perform a quality check as a demo student, first select the CLASSLIST tab on the right. Find the Demo Student in the class list (typically the last one) and click on the arrow to the right of the name. From the pop-up list, choose “Impersonate” (see arrow in figure). A confirmation window will appear to verify this selection. Now the screens will look just as a student would see them. This will stay in effect until the impersonation is removed by selecting the student name in the upper right corner of the Pilot page and clicking on the “x” next to the demo student’s name.
To perform a quality check as a demo student, first select the CLASSLIST tab on the right. Find the Demo Student in the class list (typically the last one) and click on the arrow to the right of the name. From the pop-up list, choose “Impersonate” (see arrow in figure). A confirmation window will appear to verify this selection. Now the screens will look just as a student would see them. This will stay in effect until the impersonation is removed by selecting the student name in the upper right corner of the Pilot page and clicking on the “x” next to the demo student’s name.
Blackboard Learn Evaluation
1. Creating Electronic Gradebook Categories and Items - Blackboard Learn
From the Home page, select “Grade Center” from the “Control Panel” menu under the Course Management list. This will open the Grade Center: Fill Grade Center page. Mouse over the “Manage” selection to open up the sub-menu and then choose “Categories” (see arrow in figure). CourseSites has seven default grading categories; Assignment, Blog, Discussion, Journal, Self and Peer, Survey, and Test. You can add additional categories, if you choose. This is done via the “Create Category” button. The category is defined only by the name you give it (required) and an optional textual description. Click on “Submit” to store your new category.
From the Home page, select “Grade Center” from the “Control Panel” menu under the Course Management list. This will open the Grade Center: Fill Grade Center page. Mouse over the “Manage” selection to open up the sub-menu and then choose “Categories” (see arrow in figure). CourseSites has seven default grading categories; Assignment, Blog, Discussion, Journal, Self and Peer, Survey, and Test. You can add additional categories, if you choose. This is done via the “Create Category” button. The category is defined only by the name you give it (required) and an optional textual description. Click on “Submit” to store your new category.
2. Creating Groups - Blackboard Learn
From the Home page, select “Users and Groups” from the “Course Management” section on the left column.This will open a short pop-up menu.To set up a group, choose “Groups” (see arrow in figure).This will bring you to the page where you can set up a group.When you mouse over the Create button, a pop-up menu appears with options for setting up the group or groups.A single group can be set up with manual or self-enrollment or multiple groups can be set up (a Group Set) with random, manual, or self enrollment.From here the set up is similar for each of these selections.A name must be given for each group and a short description can be added if desired.Then a variety of options are available including permissions for creating discussion forums and sending email.For the Group Set selection, the number of groups must be entered.Finally members can be assigned for manual groups, but this can wait until later.Click on “Submit” to store the changes.
From the Home page, select “Users and Groups” from the “Course Management” section on the left column.This will open a short pop-up menu.To set up a group, choose “Groups” (see arrow in figure).This will bring you to the page where you can set up a group.When you mouse over the Create button, a pop-up menu appears with options for setting up the group or groups.A single group can be set up with manual or self-enrollment or multiple groups can be set up (a Group Set) with random, manual, or self enrollment.From here the set up is similar for each of these selections.A name must be given for each group and a short description can be added if desired.Then a variety of options are available including permissions for creating discussion forums and sending email.For the Group Set selection, the number of groups must be entered.Finally members can be assigned for manual groups, but this can wait until later.Click on “Submit” to store the changes.
3. Create Group Discussion Topics - Blackboard Learn
From the Home page, select “Discussion Board” under “Course Tools” (see arrow in figure). This will open all the discussion boards which have been defined. Each group (defined above) automatically had its own discussion board. There also is a general discussion board for all participants. To designate a specific topic (or Forum as it’s called in CourseSites) for a group, select one of the group discussion boards. This will open a dialogue window in which you will find a “Create Forum” button. Selecting Create Forum will open a window in which you can name the Forum (required) and provide a short description. Below this are several options including time restrictions and the posting permissions. Click on “Submit” to store the changes.
From the Home page, select “Discussion Board” under “Course Tools” (see arrow in figure). This will open all the discussion boards which have been defined. Each group (defined above) automatically had its own discussion board. There also is a general discussion board for all participants. To designate a specific topic (or Forum as it’s called in CourseSites) for a group, select one of the group discussion boards. This will open a dialogue window in which you will find a “Create Forum” button. Selecting Create Forum will open a window in which you can name the Forum (required) and provide a short description. Below this are several options including time restrictions and the posting permissions. Click on “Submit” to store the changes.
4. Create Synchronous Web Conference Session - Blackboard Learn
A synchronous web conference can be launched by selecting the “CourseSites Live” link under the “Course Tools” menu of the “Control Panel” link on the left column (see arrow in figure). This will open a dialogue with some information about the web conference (e.g. 50 participants can be included). Also, a window will open to initiate a Blackboard Collaborate session similar to those available in WSU Pilot using the Desire 2 Learn LMS. Full functionality appears to be available with this version, but recording the session is not an option.
A synchronous web conference can be launched by selecting the “CourseSites Live” link under the “Course Tools” menu of the “Control Panel” link on the left column (see arrow in figure). This will open a dialogue with some information about the web conference (e.g. 50 participants can be included). Also, a window will open to initiate a Blackboard Collaborate session similar to those available in WSU Pilot using the Desire 2 Learn LMS. Full functionality appears to be available with this version, but recording the session is not an option.
5. Quality Check as Demo Student - Blackboard Learn
There are two steps to do a demo-student quality check. First the instructor must assign himself/herself to each group that needs checking. This is done either when setting up the group as described above or by editing the group after it is set up. The tool to add users to the group is at the bottom of the group definition page. Once this is accomplished, select the Edit Mode button in the upper left corner of the screen (see arrow in figure). This will disable instructor editing privileges and show only the screens that the student would have available. Now the instructor can peruse the entire course page and see the screens as the students will be seeing them. To return to instructor mode, simply select the Edit Mode option once again.
There are two steps to do a demo-student quality check. First the instructor must assign himself/herself to each group that needs checking. This is done either when setting up the group as described above or by editing the group after it is set up. The tool to add users to the group is at the bottom of the group definition page. Once this is accomplished, select the Edit Mode button in the upper left corner of the screen (see arrow in figure). This will disable instructor editing privileges and show only the screens that the student would have available. Now the instructor can peruse the entire course page and see the screens as the students will be seeing them. To return to instructor mode, simply select the Edit Mode option once again.
LMS Weekly Recommendation
1. Creating electronic gradebook categories took just a few clicks in either LMS. In D2L, it was possible to create categories and items via the same menu. Categories could be made with Blackboard Learn, but items could not be attached through this same dialogue box. On the other hand, Blackboard Learn had several pre-defined and useful categories, to despite not having items to add under categories, the pre-defined categories could be considered an advantage over D2L.
Score: Blackboard – 1 : D2L – 1
2. Creating groups also took a similar number of key strokes and mouse clicks in each LMS. Both systems also allowed creation of multiple groups and had similar options available. I rate both systems equal on this task.
Score : Blackboard – 1 : D2L – 1
3. Although the nomenclature is different, creating group discussion topics ("forums" in Blackboard Learn) is equivalent in each LMS. In Blackboard collaborate, a discussion board is automatically defined for each group. The forum then is designed by the instructor and resides in the group-specific discussion board. For D2L, the discussion topic resides in a forum (the equivalent of the discussion board in Blackboard Learn - stay with me here). So first the forum must be defined then the topic can be placed in the group-specific forum. Overall, Blackboard Learn has less flexibility since there are pre-defined items such as the group discussion board, so for me, D2L has the edge here.
Score : Blackboard – 0 : D2L – 1
4. Blackboard Learn and D2L have facilities to launch synchronous web conferencing. However, the conference in Blackboard Learn is not saved for another time - it begins immediately after it is called up. Additionally, the conference in Blackboard Learn cannot be recorded or archived. Thus for the systems I evaluated here, D2L had a clear advantage.
Score: Blackboard – 0 : D2L – 1
5. The procedures for quality checking the web pages have the same result for both systems but take a different approach. in Blackboard Learn, there is a simple mouse click that removes editing and other instructor privileges and makes the screens appear just as a student would see them. In D2L, we can actually enroll a dummy student and can impersonate that student to see how the web pages would appear. I am somewhat more trusting of the concept of impersonating a student rather than simply turning off instructor functions, but I realize this opinion is taken without any evidence to support which is better. From my analysis so far the two systems are equivalent.
Score: Blackboard – 1 : D2L – 1
Final score:
Blackboard – 3 : D2L – 5
The D2L system takes the lead again this week.
1. Creating electronic gradebook categories took just a few clicks in either LMS. In D2L, it was possible to create categories and items via the same menu. Categories could be made with Blackboard Learn, but items could not be attached through this same dialogue box. On the other hand, Blackboard Learn had several pre-defined and useful categories, to despite not having items to add under categories, the pre-defined categories could be considered an advantage over D2L.
Score: Blackboard – 1 : D2L – 1
2. Creating groups also took a similar number of key strokes and mouse clicks in each LMS. Both systems also allowed creation of multiple groups and had similar options available. I rate both systems equal on this task.
Score : Blackboard – 1 : D2L – 1
3. Although the nomenclature is different, creating group discussion topics ("forums" in Blackboard Learn) is equivalent in each LMS. In Blackboard collaborate, a discussion board is automatically defined for each group. The forum then is designed by the instructor and resides in the group-specific discussion board. For D2L, the discussion topic resides in a forum (the equivalent of the discussion board in Blackboard Learn - stay with me here). So first the forum must be defined then the topic can be placed in the group-specific forum. Overall, Blackboard Learn has less flexibility since there are pre-defined items such as the group discussion board, so for me, D2L has the edge here.
Score : Blackboard – 0 : D2L – 1
4. Blackboard Learn and D2L have facilities to launch synchronous web conferencing. However, the conference in Blackboard Learn is not saved for another time - it begins immediately after it is called up. Additionally, the conference in Blackboard Learn cannot be recorded or archived. Thus for the systems I evaluated here, D2L had a clear advantage.
Score: Blackboard – 0 : D2L – 1
5. The procedures for quality checking the web pages have the same result for both systems but take a different approach. in Blackboard Learn, there is a simple mouse click that removes editing and other instructor privileges and makes the screens appear just as a student would see them. In D2L, we can actually enroll a dummy student and can impersonate that student to see how the web pages would appear. I am somewhat more trusting of the concept of impersonating a student rather than simply turning off instructor functions, but I realize this opinion is taken without any evidence to support which is better. From my analysis so far the two systems are equivalent.
Score: Blackboard – 1 : D2L – 1
Final score:
Blackboard – 3 : D2L – 5
The D2L system takes the lead again this week.