Learning Management is the capacity to design pedagogic strategies that achieve learning
outcomes for students. The learning management concept was developed by Richard Smith of
Central Queensland University (Australia) and is derived from architectural design (an artful
arrangement of resources for definite ends) and is best rendered as design with intent.[1] Learning
management then means an emphasis on ‘the design and implementation of pedagogical strategies
that achieve learning outcomes. That is, in the balance between and emphasis on curriculum
development and pedagogy, the emphasis is definitely on pedagogical strategies. Underpinning the
learning management premise is a new set of knowledge and skills, collectively referred to as a
futures orientation and which attempts to prepare the mindsets and skillsets of teaching graduates
for conditions of social change that pervade local and global societies in the 2000s. The practitioner
of learning management is referred to as a learning manager.[2] Adjunct to the theory and practice of
learning management is the Learning Management Design Process (LMDP). The LMDP is a
curriculum planning process comprising 8 'learning design based' questions. The process was
developed by Professor David Lynch of Central Queensland University in 1998 and is used primarily
as a tool to train teachers to teach [3]. These 'eight questions' when answered in sequence focus the
teacher to what is important when planning to teach students. The LMDP organizes its 8 questions
through three sequential phases: Outcomes, Strategy, and Evidence. Each phase represents the
bodies of information that its associated questions seek to pursue. The LMDP represents a rethink of
the various curriculum development models that have predominated the planning of teaching and
curriculum in the developed world over past decades. The teacher develops their 'teaching plan' by
engaging with each phase and its questions and recording ‘findings’ (or answers) in plan form.
A learning management system (LMS) is a software application or Web-based technology that
ranges from managing training and training records to distributing courses to employees/students
over the internet. Typically, LMS' provide an employer/instructor with a way to create and deliver
specialized content, monitor employee/student participation, and assess their overall performance
and completion of the required courses. A learning management system may also provide
employees/students with the ability to use interactive features such as threaded discussions, video
conferencing, and discussion forums to reach their full potential.
This software allows for the employee/student to take learning into their own hands while either
staying current in their specific field or branch out and learning new skills.
The Top 8 Benefits Of Using Learning
Management Systems
If you are new to the realm of eLearning or are making the switch to online training, then
you’ve probably heard quite a bit about Learning Management Systems recently. This is
primarily due to the fact that it is one of the quintessential tools of eLearning, upon which
all online courses and training modules are built. But what are the real benefits of using a
LMS? In this article, I’ll explore the many advantages of using a Learning Management
System to design and deploy eLearning experiences.
The Top Learning Management Systems Benefits
Learning Management Systems are an integral part of the eLearning design and
development process, especially if you have a large audience and a great deal of
subject matter to deliver. If you’re still undecided about whether a Learning
Management System is right for you, here are just a few of the most convincing
reasons why every learning professional should have a Learning Management
System (LMS) at-the-ready.
1. Organizes eLearning content in one location.
Instead of having your eLearning content spread out over different hard drives
and devices, you can store all of your eLearning materials in one location. This
reduces the risk of losing important data and makes it easier to create your
eLearning course. Every member of your eLearning team can also access the
information if you’re using a cloud-based Learning Management System, thanks to
the fact that it’s all stored on the remote server. This makes Learning
Management Systems a natural fit for online collaboration.
2. Provides unlimited access to eLearning materials.
Once you upload your eLearning course materials onto the LMS and publish
them, your audience has unlimited access to the information they need. Even
those who are on the go can login to the eLearning platform via their
smartphones and tablets, so that they don’t have to wait until their next online
training session to develop skills and perfect work-related tasks. This is one of the
main reasons why a LMS is essential for global audiences in different time zones.
3. Easily tracks learner progress and performance.
The best Learning Management System gives you the ability to keep track of learner
progress and ensure that they are meeting their performance milestones. For
instance, if an online learner is not able to successfully complete an eLearning
scenario, you can offer them supplemental resources to improve their
performance or learning behaviors. Most Learning Management Systems feature
reporting and analytics tools that also allow you to pinpoint areas of your
eLearning course that may be lacking, as well as where it excels. If you discover
that many of your online learners are struggling throughout a specific online
lesson, for example, you can assess the eLearning content and make
modifications if necessary.
4. Reduces Learning and Development costs.
A Learning Management System gives you the power to completely do away with
instructor travel costs, online training site rentals, and printed eLearning
materials. Your online learners can carry out all of their training online, which
means that you can save a sizable sum on your Learning and Development
budget. For example, you won’t have to worry about printing out 500 manuals
and booking a hotel room for your instructor, because all the information your
online learners require is right in the LMS.
5. Reduces Learning and Development time.
A Learning Management System can even reduce online training times, thanks to
the fact that it gives online learners only the information they need in a direct
and organized manner. Instead of having to sit through a lengthy half-hour
online training course, online learners can simply click on the online modules
they need and absorb the knowledge in a fraction of the time. They can also assess
their understanding by taking online exams or quizzes, participate in interactive
scenarios and simulations, and watch eLearning videos that highlight complex
processes or tasks.
6. Keeps organizations up-to-date with compliance regulations.
If your organization must stay up-to-date with current compliance regulations,
then a Learning Management System can be an invaluable tool. Compliance laws
chance on a regular basis, and updating a traditional course to reflect these
changes can be a time-consuming chore. However, using a corporate Learning
Management System gives you the ability to add new compliance standards to
your online training course within a matter of minutes. As such, your corporate
learners can always be aware of the latest compliance rules that they need to be
aware of, so that your organization can avoid costly penalties. In addition, you
have the power to ensure that every employee is on the same page when it
comes to expectations and company policies, which boosts customer satisfaction
and decreases employee turnover rates.
7. Quickly and conveniently expands eLearning courses.
If you want to add additional online modules to your eLearning course in order
to update information based on new trends or scientific evidence, you can simply
login to the Learning Management System and make the necessary modifications
without redoing your entire eLearning course. All of the content is in one
location, which allows you to change only the master eLearning course and then
deploy it to all of your online learners. This is in stark contrast to a traditional
course, where you would have to send every member of your audience an
updated manual or updated handouts.
8. Integrates social learning experiences.
A Learning Management System makes it easy to integrate social learning into
your eLearning strategy. Since the LMS is already online, you can include links to
Facebook and Twitter pages, LinkedIn groups, and online forums that may be
beneficial for your learners. You can also market your eLearning course on social
media sites to attract new learners, as well as create eLearning exercises that
center on peer collaboration.
Keep in mind that finding the ideal LMS for your needs is the only way to truly reap
the benefits of a Learning Management System. So, take advantage of free trials,
research the features and pricing options, and read reviews from other eLearning
professionals who have had experience with the tool. This will allow you to get
the most out of the Learning Management System and create successful
eLearning courses. You can also get an LMS quote tailored to your needs in as
little as 3 minutes. This simple 5-step process will help you find the Learning
Management System that works best for you.
Looking for cloud-based LMS solutions for your eLearning project? Read the
article Top 10 Cloud Based Learning Management Systems For Corporate Training to
discover cloud-based Learning Management Systems that are worth checking
out.
3 Problem-Solving Math Activities
1) Toothpick Puzzles
Toothpick puzzles (also referred to as matchstick puzzles) provide students a
visualization challenge by applying their knowledge of basic geometric shapes and
orientations. The only supplies you need are a box of toothpicks, a workspace, and a
puzzle to solve. The goal is for students to transform given geometric figures into others
by adding, moving, or removing toothpicks. These puzzles range in complexity and can
be found online or in math puzzle books. As an extension, challenge your student to
create their own puzzle for someone else to solve.
Sample toothpick puzzles of varying difficulty:
Download solutions to this activity here.
2) Fencing Numbers
The goal of this activity is to create a border or “fence” around each numeral by
connecting dots horizontally and vertically so that each digit is bordered by the correct
number of line segments.
Print a sheet of dot paper.
Use pencils and scissors to cut the size grid you want to use.
This game can be modified for abilities by adjusting the size of the grid and amount of
numerals written. For example, a beginning student might begin with a grid that is 5 x 5
dots with a total of four numerals, while a more advanced student might increase the grid
to 7 x 7 dots with six to eight numerals.
Begin by writing the digits 0, 1, 2, and 3 spread repeatedly in between “squares” on the
dot paper. Each digit represents the number of line segments that will surround that
square. For instance, a square that contains a 3 would have line segments on three sides,
and a square that contains a 2 would have line segments on two sides, and so on. See the
example boards and solutions for a 5 x 5 grid below.
Beware; there may be multiple solutions for the same problem! Thus, encourage your
student to replicate the same problem grid multiple times and look for different solutions.
A more advanced student can be challenged to create their own problem. Can they make
a grid with only one solution? Is it possible to make a problem with four or more possible
solutions?
3) It’s Knot a Problem!
Exercise lateral thinking skills– solving a problem through an indirect and creative
approach that is not immediately obvious. You need two people, two pieces of string (or
yarn) about one meter long each (or long enough so the person who will wear it can
easily step over it), and some empty space to move around. If possible, use two different
colored pieces of string. Each person needs a piece of string with a loop tied in both ends
so it can be worn like “handcuffs”. Before tying off the loop on the second wrist, the
participants loop the string around each other so they are hooked together. The figure
below illustrates how the strings should appear when completed.
The goal is to unhook the strings while following these guidelines:
1) The string must remain tied and may not be removed from either participant’s wrists.
2) The string cannot be broken, cut, or damaged in any way.
Caution! This activity not only tests problem-solving skills, but it also promotes positive
communication, teamwork, and persistence.
Problem-solving skills are not always taught directly but often learned indirectly through
experience and practice. When incorporating problem solving activities aim to make
them open-ended and playful to keep your student engaged. Incorporating fun activities
like these from time to time foster creative and flexible thinking and can help your
student transfer problem solving skills to other subject areas. By providing guidance and
helping your student to see a problem from different perspectives, you will help foster a
positive disposition towards problem-solving. As your student continues to learn how to
effectively solve problems, they increase their understanding of the world around them
and develop the tools they need to make decisions about the way they approach a
problem.
DepEd Learning Management System (LMS) and Electronic Self-Learning
Modules (e-SLMs)
Recent restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated the need for a
platform where teachers can conduct online classes for learners who have access to internet
whenever face-to-face classes are not allowed. As such, the Department of Education
(DepEd) is preparing to release a Learning Management System (LMS) that can be used by
teachers and learners who would like to adopt online classes as the modality by which
learning would be delivered.
The LMS is a software that will allow teachers to create virtual classes where they can assign
the activities that the learners need to go through, monitor if the activities have been
completed, grade submissions, and conduct online quizzes to assess comprehension in
conditions where face-to-face classes are not allowed. The LMS will work hand-in-hand with
the DepEd Commons to benefit the more than 8 million learners who are already accessing
the platform. The DepEd Commons will contain Open Educational Resources
(OERs), Electronic Self-Learning Modules (e-SLMs), video and audio lecture episodes, and
other digital contents that will be used by teachers to assign and schedule the activities that
learners will go through in the LMS.
DepEd e-SLMs
The e-SLMs that will be preloaded in the DepEd Commons are in epub3 format which allows
the production team to embed videos, educational games, interactive features, and
feedback mechanisms that learners can access even without internet connection. The ability
to embed external media into the e-SLMs is extremely powerful and will even allow DepEd
to incorporate sign language, subtitles and audibles that can be used by deaf and blind
learners. These e-SLMs can be viewed using a mobile phone or a computer as long as the
appropriate reader is installed. The table below summarizes the interactive features that can
be embedded in the e-SLMs.
Interactive Games:
Bingo Card
Crossword
 Hangman
 Jigsaw Puzzle
 Memory Game
 Mind Map
 Pair Matching
 Randomness
 Spot the Difference
 Word Search
Interactive Widgets:
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Exit Slips – Can ask students 2 questions about current class
Flash Cards – Create cards containing text as well as pictures and audio
Quiz – Create an intriguing quiz with multiple choice, image dragging, filling in the
blanks
Split Whiteboard – Splits the screen where one side is a drawable area and the other
is a scrollable piece of rich text
Split Worksheet – Split the screen where one side is a worksheet with multiple
question types and the other is a scrollable piece of rich text.


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Timeline – A timeline exercise for students.
WebQuest – An inquiry-oriented lesson format.
Whiteboard – Draw or write, on a background image or on an empty page.
Worksheet – Create a worksheet with multiple question types
DepEd LMS
The DepEd LMS will have three separate instances covering:
1. LMS that teachers and learners can use for the conduct of online classes which can be
accessed at https://lms.deped.gov.ph
The LMS for Online Classes has also been completed but its release has been deferred until
the engineering challenges that are being encountered in the server setup that can scale to
more than 8 million users has been fully resolved.
2. LMS for the conduct of online trainings for teaching and non-teaching personnel that can
be accessed at https://training.deped.gov.ph
The LMS for Online Trainings was released for stress testing early in June. However,
additional work needs to be performed to ensure that the servers do not break down if it is
accessed by all teachers.
3. LMS for the conduct of national tests which can be accessed at
https://assessment.deped.gov.ph
The LMS for National Tests has already been completed and is currently being piloted to
conduct the English Proficiency Test in Caloocan and Pasig City.
Moodle
The Department will be using Moodle for its LMS requirements.
Moodle is an open-source software that was released in August 20, 2002.1 It is among the
top 3 most popular LMS platforms in the world with a market share of 18% in the United
States and 50% in Europe, Latin America, and Oceanea.2
There are currently 157,775 active Moodle sites worldwide that are registered across 242
countries. The Philippines has a total of 1,859 Moodle sites which include Ateneo, Asia
Pacific College, CH ED, Miriam College, Mindanao State University, TESDA, University of the
Philippines, Xavier University, and other organizations.
Moodle was chosen over other LMS platforms for the following reasons.
Moodle is free and can be used by the Department without the need to go through a
procurement process allowing it to deploy in time for school opening. The major cost
implication will involve servers that are already covered under the Volume Licensing
agreement with Microsoft for Azure Cloud. Consulting services are also needed to configure
a server farm that can handle the more than 8 million users already registered in the DepEd
Commons. These are currently funded through a technical assistance grant from the Asian
Development Bank as well as from Microsoft Philippines.
The data of learners will reside in DepEd servers which would allow the Department to
monitor usage and perform analytics that would assess the effectiveness of the LMS in
responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moodle will allow DepEd to zero-rate the LMS so that it is free to users who are accessing
through mobile phones. This is currently not possible for free LMS platforms as it entails a
server that is dedicated to DepEd (not possible for free LMS like Google Classroom,
Edmodo, Schoology but possible for Moodle because the installers are open source and we
are allowed to install it in our server). Representations to provide this dedicated service to
the Department have not made any progress for the free LMS platforms.
DepEd has internal staff who already have expertise in Moodle. As a matter of fact, 315,540
teachers have already been trained on how to use Moodle for the upcoming school year.
The DepEd LMS is powerful tool that teachers and school heads can use to deliver online
classes and monitor learner progress.
It has the capability to expose learners to computer-based tests with PISA like questions
that have the potential of improving the country’s performance in the next round of PISA
exams. However, it must be emphasized that it is applicable only to learners who have
access to internet which currently number to more than 8 million registered users in the
DepEd Commons.
It is not recommended, at this point, to require all public schools to adopt only the DepEd
LMS for their requirements in conducting online classes as schools may already be using
other LMS platforms or there may be features in other LMS platforms that are not available
in Moodle. All other LMSes already being used and made available to schools may continue
doing so until such time that their integration with Moodle and the enhancement of the
DepEd LM will be undertaken.