By Amanda Wesley, American Honors Visit facultyconference.americanhonors.org

1. Best Practices in Learning
Management Systems (LMS)

2. Amanda Wesley
317.886.0212
Amanda.Wesley@AmericanHonors.org

3. Plan Ahead!
• Create folder structure first
• Make sure all important documents, assignments &
due dates are included one Day 1
• Restrict student access to unused items

4. Organization - Use Modules

5. Separate out term-length resources

6. Limit Repetition of Due Dates
• Plan for future edits!
• Due dates from assignments automatically add to calendar

7. Overview Pages are Key

8. Provide Powerpoint Handouts
● In Powerpoint, Go to Print
● Print What: Handouts
● Output: Grayscale
● Save as PDF

9. Context, Context, Context
Everything posted within your course should be
scaffolded with context
• How does it relate back to the core themes of the
chapter/course?
• What questions should students be considering as
they review?
• Is there something you want them to pay attention to
or look for?

10. Add Files & Links Directly into Modules

11. Add Files & Links Directly into Modules

12. Get Creative and Embed!

13. Get Creative and Embed!
Blackboard

14. Get Creative and Embed!
Canvas

15. Quickly add Flickr Creative
Commons Images
Canvas
Blackboard

16. Assignments
• LMS gradebook should accurately reflect all
coursework - including in-class
– Simple points grading policy preferred
• Promote active discussion boards
– Prompts:
• 1(+) sentence initial question
• 1(+) sentence directing responses
• 1(+) sentence qualifying responses
– Length, quality, timing, resources
• Rubrics are preferred for grading
• Use question pools for quizzes & exams

17. Thank you!