There are many different websites offer the course management systems for teachers to choose from. Sometimes, it is hard to choose one among too many choices on the table. But, the good thing is that every CMS has its special character that is different from others. Based on the different needs and the requirements of the class and the teachers, choosing the suitable CMS will be much easier.
With green interface, I feel the user-friendly characteristic of Course Sites. It is run by BlackBoard, a CMS that NYU is using currently. But comparing BB that we are using, Course Sites provides more possibilities for us to make our accounts more personal and practical by moving up and down, removing or adding different modules on the homepage. What's more, writing an announcement, changing schedule on calendar and checking the to-do list becomes easy and simple.
It is good to see that it separate the lesson plan and syllabus, which will be easier for students to go to the module to find what they want. When you manage your class, it's also very easy to add any images, audios, videos an web links into your course folder. More options from the media can be imported into the Course Sites for better learning with the authentic materials.
Course Sites also makes it easier and convenient to take the test, survey, assessment (self-assessment, teacher-assessment and peer-assessment) and hand in assignment through Course Sites.
It also provides a module named Teaching Style for teachers to keep the setting of the course themes, menu style, layout, content and banner images as a template for future use. It saves much time and also save the good teaching styles for other class. It is convenient to group students or students make their own group when they do their projects under the Course Sites. They can shear the information and discussions within the group members online.
Just as what Schoology does, Course Sites also provides a Resource tag. In its Resource tag, I found many links to other software that help teachers in making lesson plan, managing exams and using some videos to improve teaching.
I also found it is very interesting to have the Course Sites Instant Messaging for teachers and students to keep in close touch if they need any discussions or Q&A whenever and wherever.
It is a great CMS to use in language teaching and learning, though it only offers 5 courses a year for one teacher.
No comments:
Post a Comment