Course Managment System: Engrade

            

Course Management System Reflection

             In Fall 2013, I was finally introduced to a variety of Course Management Systems.  At first, I was contemplating as to what a course management system was.  According to Vanderbilt University, a course management system (CMS) is a collection of software tools providing an online of course environment interactions. A CMS typically include a variety of online tools and environments such as an area for posting materials such as a course syllabus, a gradebook, an area for student postings and other assignments, an integrated email tool, a chat tool, and a threaded discussion board allowing communication among participants (University). So what CMS did I decide to use? I decided to go with Engrade.

            Engrade is a very user friendly CMS. Engrade is a great tool to enable and encourage students who are second language learners to explore what is on the web motivating them to participate in Science and all other subjects.

              First of all, Engrade provides an online calendar that students will have to check every day for assignments and due dates, therefore, increasing participation.  Engrade also provides a discussion tab that works like a blog where students can log in and discuss whatever topic is laid out for them. Last but not least, Engrade  provides a wikis and files tab where teacher’s can upload assignments, pictures. videos, and links to online websites that align to whatever subject is being taught.

            Using a CMS like Engrade opens up the doors to new experiences for students of different backgrounds and those who are second language learners. Engrade will enable students to explore what is on the web through guidance of the teacher.  Through the integration of many other online tools such as podcasts, Powtoons, Youtube, Weebly, and many more, students will be able to communicate with one another, the teacher, and other students from around the world in a fun and interactive way.

  

Resources

Posner, Z., Lamb, T., Roberts, D., Whalen, B., Smith, R., & Lupoli, J. (n.d.). Engrade. Retrieved from https://www.engrade.com/

University, V. (n.d.). Course Managment Systems. Retrieved from Center for Teaching:           http://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/course-management-systems/