Understanding the benefits of a k12 learning management system could serve you well— whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or parent.
Understanding, collating, and applying data has become such an intrinsic part of continued innovation within nearly every industry imaginable. Data application has become the main driver behind effective marketing and better product development, greater understanding of customer experiences and how to better tailor our systems towards those needs. Functioning as a centralized hub around which we build thriving businesses, and educational systems are no exception.
A functional K12 learning management system can have a positive impact on all groups involved within the educational and institutional paradigms. From the top down, learning management systems (LMS) has proven to be a fully uniting system that allows each branch of the educational process to articulate seamlessly with every other. All by introducing better systems of management, achievement, and data collection and usage.
This is because a k12 learning management system functions as a hub for all of the different groups that are associated with the learning process; providing an integrated platform where everyone from administrators to students can share and receive important data metrics from all other parties, helping to close the gaps between each group. These systems also help facilitate multiple types of learning systems, allowing a more adaptive approach to the education that works best for students and institutions.
Administrators and Institutions
At the top level, a k12 LMS benefits both administrators and institutions through the sharing of progress and information. Allowing officials to better allocate resources, create new programs, and lend a helping hand where and when it’s needed most. For administrators, this is an integral part of providing excellent leadership in a way that is both organized and efficient. Largely because of the centralized data storage LMS methods uses.
With all necessary information in one place, it’s easier to compare the progress of different systems, teachers, and students. Having complete access to the hard data behind all of the systems that the institution already has in place, without the need to monitor multiple feeds and sources. Which then funnels each system, whether that be on an individual level, or classroom wide, into one arena that can be accessed by the partners involved. Giving unfitted access to open and earnest communication.
Teachers
Because the traditional blocks to communication and reporting have been removed, teachers will save time— only reporting to one system, but those reports quickly become accessible to all. Allowing a more straightforward avenue to inspire both families, students, and administrators to get on board with what is being seen in the classroom.
Most LMS systems allow reporting based on performance, curriculum, and even assignments. Because these systems are highly customizable, educators can use them to create tailored assessments and resources with students and their families. They can also build their own templates, share them amongst colleagues, and receive real time feedback, and give it in return. Even feedback and grading rubrics can be customized to the educator’s preference, which creates a system in which they can showcase their most important data easily and freely with those who need it the most.
Families
Families no longer have to struggle to catch up with educators and administrators, as the feedback systems are two way. Allowing families, teachers, and school administrators to freely exchange information, concerns, and thoughts at any time. Creating a truly personalized feel for each student and family unit, while still being constructive and time considerate for educators and administrators.
With 24/7 open access, families can check grades, progress, assignments, and instructions on their own time schedules. Creating a space for easy and continuous collaboration that is student focused. Making it simple to better advocate for your child’s education. Which is the ultimate goal of these types of management systems, creating a simple, comprehensive, and centralized arena in which metrics, rubrics, and education tools are all collected into one easy to use online set up. No longer requiring trips to board meetings or to the school, instead providing open access to the educators that are directly involved with your child’s learning environment. At the times when it’s most convenient for everyone.
Students
For students, k12 LMS provides an interactive and engaging system where they can keep an eye on their own progress and field any questions that may arise— something that is absolutely necessary within blended learning scenarios. It also helps to foster computer literacy, data competency, and give students real-time, personalized feedback that can inspire and encourage. All when they need it the most.
With online functionality, assignments are always at the fingertips of students and their families, removing the stress of lost assignments, or needing questions answered outside of school hours. Many LMS come equipped with forum-like discussion pages that allow a more collaborative approach to assignments, whether or not they’re in the classroom. These systems also allow for educators to create student specific assignments and grading rubrics— because every educator knows that learning styles and personalities vary from child to child.