Exploring LMS 

Learning Management System-Course Sites 


Creating Online Courses 


Creating an asynchronous learning environment can be thought of as an overwhelming task. However, if planned and organized in sections, the heavy uncomfortable emotions slowly melts away. 

My current required course,5318, Instructional Design Online Learning has put me up to the challenge. As I thought about the desired out come, I immediately felt over whelmed. However, I quickly remembered a saying a previous professor loved referencing. " An elephant is eaten one bit at a time."  And that is just what I plan to do. I will organize my asynchronous course one step at a time. As I share my experience in this post, it is my hope that my journey can assist you on yours. You will find steps to accomplish to complete my first online course. 


Step 1

Create an account with a Learning Management System  -Free LMS ( coursesites.com) 

Create : 

  1.  Introduction
  2. Learning Goals 
  3. Desired Results 
  4. Audience 
  5.  Outline your online course utilizing UbD plan or 3 column table for your learning environment. 

Step 2 

1. Create an outline that is uniform within each module week 

2. Curate modules with activities and assessments focusing on the modules 1 at a time. 


Exploring LMS CourseSites 

Step1: Create your course Introduction, Learning Goals, Desired Outcomes, Audience, Backward Design/ BHAG (big -hairy-audacious-goal)

Course Introduction

Welcome to 8th Grade Science! I am Ms. Blackmon, your assigned instructor for this course. In this course we will be exploring Matter and Energy which introduces the foundation of Chemistry according to the state standards. We will be doing many virtual laboratory experiments, and project-based assignments. The goal of this 8th grade science course is to review the important information you have learned in your middle school career while expanding your knowledge in matter and energy content so that you can be a scientifically literate member of society.

Expect an exciting year as you Blast Off to Success accomplishing your academic goals!

Learning Goals

  • The learner will describe the structure of atoms, including the mass, electrical charges, and locations, of a protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons in the electron cloud.
  • The leaner will identify that protons determine an elements' identity and valence electrons determine its chemical properties, including reactivity
  • The learner will interpret the arrangement of the Periodic Table, including groups and periods, to explain how properties are used to classify elements
  • The learner will recognize that chemical formulas are used to identify substances and determine the number of atoms of each in chemical formulas containing subscripts.
  • The learner will investigate how evidence of chemical reactions indicate that new substances with different properties are formed and how that relates to the aw of Conservation of Mass.

Desired Results

  • Students will be able to describe the structure of an atom.
  • Students will be able to identify that protons determine an elements identity.
  • Students will identify that valence electrons determine an element chemical property.
  • Students will be able to interpret the arrangement of the Periodic Table
  • Students will be able to compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids using physical properties.
  • Students will be able to recognize how chemical formulas are used to identify substances.
  • Students will be able to determine the number of atoms of each element in chemical formulas containing subscripts.
  • Students will be able to investigate how evidence of chemical reactions indicates that new substances with different properties are formed.
  • Students will be able to investigate how chemical reactions relate to the law of conservation of mass.
  • Students will be able to distinguish between physical and chemical changes in matter.
  • Students will evaluate and explain learned concepts to show mastery.
  • Students will analyze concept maps and draw conclusions to show mastery
  • Students will recall, compare, contrast, and explain acquired content vocabulary.
  • Students will write using newly acquired basic vocabulary and content-based grade-level vocabulary
  • Students will narrate, describe, and explain with specificity detail to demonstrate mastery of new concepts

Audience

8th grade students at Hartman Middle School. Students have 1:1 Chrome books with device WiFi installed. Students will login to the course sites/blackboard virtually or face to face daily to complete weekly modules. Assignments and supporting material will be located in the LMS with the purpose of providing all students with accommodating and convenient content.

Outline

BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) - The Overarching Goal is:

Learners will demonstrate understanding of introductory chemistry completing a series of claim, evidence, and reasoning writing prompts which require students to make observations, analysis and conclude with a clearly and effectively expressed ideas utilizing precise, scientifically appropriate descriptions and vocabulary with logical progression of ideas with the purpose of stating a claim that is strongly supported throughout every section of writing.

Learning Goals

Assessment Activities

Learning Activities

Foundational

Learners will access Peardeck presentation to explore structures of atoms and describe properties of matter, construct atomic models, and explain the arrangement of elements found on the Periodic Table.

Learners will investigate evidence of chemical reactions and how that relates to the law of conservation of mass.

-Complete reflection response Padlet/ Jamboard - Give One Get One Virtual Gallery Walk and justify posting

-Construct Venn Diagrams

-Create illustrations of models with labels

Analyze Diagrams and determine correct representation

  • Construct Chart to summarize structure of an atom.
  • Analyze and Conclude the structure of an atomic models, the arrangement of elements on the periodic table, and evidence of chemical reactions and how that relates to the law of conservation of mass by justifying reasoning within a Claims -Evidence -Reasoning prompt
  • Observe and listen to notes that explain the structure of an atom and properties of matter.
  • Observe and listen to notes that explains how to investigate chemical reactions and determine how it relates to the law of conservation of mass.
  • Learners will engage individually completing watch, think, write.

Application

  • Learner will construct a Venn Diagram to describe learned content with the purpose of organizing thoughts of learned content.
  • Learner will observe video resources and distinguish correct representation of models
  • Students will explore and examine simulations depicting concepts and break them down into specific conclusions by explaining the observations.
  • Learners will engage individually completing watch, think, write.
  • Construct K-W-L Chart
  • Explore Phet Interactive simulation
  • Explore Gizmo Element Builder

Learners will engage and explore resources and simulation that will enable them to construct a model of an atom and determine evidence of chemical reactions.

Integration

  • Learners will generate real world connects with common chemical formulas used daily.
  • Elaborate in discussion and or gallery walk structure of an atom and the total atoms that make up chemical formulas and chemical equations.
  • Analyze and critique illustrations of atomic structure models with labels

Learners will analyze chemical formulas and the various structures of atoms and collect data with the purpose of organizing and concluding significant evidence that determines chemical reactions.

Human

Learners will compare and contrast various models of atoms, chemical formulas and explain content vocabulary utilizing metaphors.

  • Learners will present research that explains key content connected to their daily life.
  • Learners will engage in a Padlet discussion of common chemical and the total atoms within the chemical formula.

Dimension/Caring

Learners will generate a list of common compounds and elements to make real world connections to chemical formulas used in everyday life.

Learning How-To-Learn

  • Learner will develop CER writing prompt.
  • Learner will create and illustrate a model of an atom
  • Collaborate with peers' essential parts of an atom.
  • Collaborate and describe examples of chemical with the purpose of identifying common evidence that indicates a chemical reaction has occurred.

Learners will focus on essential parts of content by identifying main ideas in their own words

Essential questions, notes, video resources, and guided practice activities with the purpose of guiding correct thinking and articulation of atomic structure and chemical reactions.

List and briefly describe in your assignment document the materials you will enter within your chosen LMS below using the space you need:

Material Resources:

  • Periodic Table of Elements
  • Padlet link (used for students to create, post, and explore content reflections and conclusions)
  • Venn Diagram Template (utilized to demonstrate comprehension by expressing and elaborating learned content)
  • KWL Chart Template (students will articulate prior knowledge and explain learned content)
  • Google Slide (Notes- Define and show content in detail to promote learning target mastery)
  • Resource Videos (students will engage and explore resource videos with the purpose of explaining content vocabulary and provide scientifically appropriate descriptions)
  • C-E-R Template (students will demonstrate mastery with clearly and effectively expressed response)
  • Phet Interactive Simulation (students will explore and analyze virtual investigations to make connections with content learning target)
  • Watch -Think -Write Template (students will utilize to guide thinking and reflections when given video resource.)

Module Outline 

Getting Started

· Practice navigating through the course and become familiar with the meeting schedule

· Locate TEAMS Link

· Locate each weekly module and the task/assignments assigned

· Record assignment due dates and scheduled meeting time in your calendar/pla




Week 1 -Module 1

Learners will describe and identify structures of the atom

Lesson Target: By the end of the week, you will be able to describe the structure of an atom, including the masses, locations, and charges of the protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Action Steps:

1. Read assigned test

2. Attend scheduled Meeting

3. Complete daily task/assignments

The structure of atoms


References

MooMoo Math and Science. (2020, October25). Atom explained in simple terms[Video File] Retrieved from https://youtu.be/ajg07Dnc1BQ

Scholastic Inc. (2021, January 20). Atoms: Protons, Neutrons, Electrons[Video File] Retrieved from https://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/matter/atoms.htm

Essential Guiding Questions:

The structure of an atom includes the nucleus and the electron cloud.

The subatomic particles of an atom include the protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What are the locations, masses, and electrical charges of the subatomic particles?

Vocabulary (Quizlet assigned)

Atom

Electrical Charge

Neutron

Electron

Mass

Proton

Nucleus

Electron Cloud

Module TASKS and Instructions:

  • Read assigned pages in iScience text
  • Complete Learning Notes via Peardeck Interactive slides - click the hyperlink to access
  • Supporting Videos - Watch each video and take notes in your composition note book.
  • The Atom: Protons, Neutrons, Electrons Video 1
  • Atom Explained in simple terms Video 2
  • Discussion via Padlet - Learners will create a thread that explains the structure of an atom and provide an analogy of each subatomic particle.
  • Complete the Interactive Simulation Virtual Lab ( Phet Simulation)

The learner will engage and explore the structure of 3 different atoms

  • Deliverable Evidence of Learning

Assignment 1 learner will complete the Venn Diagram assignment link.

Assignment 2

  • Discussion via Padlet - Learners will
  • Quiz Click the link to access the quiz. All students are required to pass with 80% or higher to receive credit.

Module 2 -Week 2

Learners will determine the identity of an Atom

Lesson Target: By the end of the week, you will be able to identify an atom based on protons and atomic number located on the periodic table.

Action Steps:

1. Read assigned test

2. Attend scheduled Meeting

3. Complete daily task/assignments

The structure of atoms


References

MooMoo Math and Science. (2020, May 27). How to find the protons neutrons electrons of an element on the periodic table[Video File] Retrieved from https://youtu.be/yooYnW8uhHk

Essential Guiding Questions:

The structure of an atom includes the nucleus and the electron cloud.

The subatomic particles of an atom include the protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What are the locations, masses, and electrical charges of the subatomic particles?

How is the identity of an element determined?

Why are protons used to determine the identity of an element?

Vocabulary (Quizlet assigned)

Atom

Electrical Charge

Atom

Electrical Charge

Neutron

Electon

Valence Electrons

Mass

Proton

Nucleus

Electron Cloud

Module TASKS and Instructions:

  • Read assigned pages in iScience text pg. 57-65
  • Complete Learning Notes via Peardeck Interactive slides - click the hyperlink to access
  • Supporting Video - Watch each video and take notes in you composition note book.

How to find the Protons Neutrons and Electrons of an element on the Periodic table Video 2

Discussion via Padlet - Choose an element on the periodic table and build the atom structure that represents it. Use common material around your house. After you have built the structure, utilize your chromebook to capture a picture of your model. Voice record the total count for each subatomic particle. Create a thread and post your recording. Explore the pad let and respond to 3 post stating what the element structure is and how you know. This can be written or voice recorded.

STEM: This structure represents .....because

  • Complete the Interactive Simulation Virtual Lab ( Phet Simulation)

The learner will choose 2 elements on the periodic table with the purpose of creating the atomic structure.

  • Deliverable Evidence of Learning
  • Assignment 1 learners will complete the concept map
  • Assignment 2 learners will create the model of 2 atoms
  • Quiz Click the link to access the quiz. All students are required to pass with 80% or higher to receive credit.

Module 3 -Week 3 Interpret the arrangement of the Periodic Table

By the end of this week, you will be able to determine an elements chemical property including reactivity and interpret the arrangement of the Periodic Table, including groups and periods, and explain how valence electrons are used to classify elements.

Action Steps:

1. Read assigned test

2. Attend scheduled Meeting

3. Complete daily task/assignments

Reference

MooMoo Math and Science. (2018, June 29). What are rows and columns on the periodic table [Video File] Retrieved from https://youtu.be/7dArEbmbXSo

Scholastic Inc. (2021, January 20). The Periodic Table [Video File] Retrieved from https://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/matter/periodic-table.htm

Essential Guiding Questions:

How do the valence electrons of an element determine its chemical property of reactivity?

Which groups on the Periodic Table are the most reactive?

Which groups on the Periodic Table are the least reactive?

How do properties of an element determine its placement on the Periodic Table?

Vocabulary (Quizlet assigned)

Periodic table

atomic number

reactivity

metals

valence electrons

groups/families

periods

alkali metals

nonmetals

metalloids

noble gases

transition metals

Module TASKS and Instructions:

  • Read assigned pages in iScience text
  • Complete Learnin Notes - click the hyperlink to access
  • Supporting Videos - Watch each video and take notes in your composition note book.

Periodic Table Video 1

What are rows and columns on the periodic table? Video 2

Valence Electrons Periodic Table Video 3

  • Atom Explained in simple terms Video 2
  • Discussion via Flipgrid - Learners will create a video explaining how to rad te periodic table of elements. Recording should be detailed as you overview how to interpret groups, periods, orbital number, valence electron number, Most reactive groups (metals & nonmetals) and least reactive group/ inert gases, physical properties which classify the element.
  • Complete the Interactive Simulation Virtual Lab ( Gizmo )

The learner will engage and explore the structure of 3 different atoms

  • Deliverable Evidence of Learning

Assignment 1 learner will complete foldable explaining learned content.

Assignment 2 learner will create a structure of an atom and

  • Quiz Click the link to access the quiz. All students are required to pass with 80% or higher to receive credit.



PART 2 - Modules 4 & 5


Module 4 - Week 4

By the end of the week, you will be able to recognize that chemical formulas are used to identify substances and determine the number of atoms of each element in chemical formulas containing subscripts.

Action Steps:

1. Read assigned test

2. Attend scheduled Meeting

3. Complete daily task/assignments

Recognize that chemical formulas are used to identify substances and determine total atom count


Reference

MooMoo Math and Science. (2017, November 4). Counting Atoms in a Chemical Formula [Video File] Retrieved from https://youtu.be/fVcJqund5u8

MooMoo Math and Science. (2018, September 8). Counting Atoms in a Chemical Equation [Video File] Retrieved from https://youtu.be/wV2TUHjgPLQ

Guiding Questions:

  • Chemical formulas are used to identify substances.
  • Chemical formulas determine the number of atoms of each element in a chemical formula.
  • What is a chemical formula?
  • What is a subscript which is found in a chemical formula?

Vocabulary

Chemical formula

Atom

Element

Subscript

Molecule

Coefficient

Compound

Module TASKS and Instructions:

  • Read assigned pages in iScience text 100-106
  • Complete Learnin Notes - click the hyperlink to access
  • Supporting Videos - Watch each video and take notes in your composition note book.
  • Counting Atoms in a Chemical Formula https://youtu.be/fVcJqund5u8
  • Counting Atoms in a Chemical Equation https://youtu.be/wV2TUHjgPLQ
  • Discussion via Flipgrid - Learners will create a video presenting 5 common compound substance and the chemical formula for each. Students will determine the total number of atoms for each chemical formula as well as important factors that enable correct atom count.
  • Complete the Interactive Simulation Virtual Lab ( Gizmo )

The learner will engage and explore structures of chemical formulas

  • Deliverable Evidence of Learning

Assignment 1: Shopping for Compounds Project learner will complete a project that requires students to choose 5 common substances of their choice, identify the chemical formula for each and record the total atoms.

  • Quiz Click the link to access the quiz. All students are required to pass with 80% or higher to receive credit.

Module 5 - Week 5

By the end of the week, you will be able to conduct an investigation with the purpose of determining indicators of chemical reactions and determine how the reaction relates to the law of conservation of mass.

Action Steps:

1. Read assigned test

2. Attend scheduled Meeting

3. Complete daily task/assignments

Recognize that indicators are used to determine chemical reactions.


Reference

MooMoo Math and Science. (2017, November 18). Indicators Chemical Reaction[Video File] Retrieved from https://youtu.be/JUH9E1M0Gwc

Flippin' Science Videos.(2013, November 23). Evidence of a Chemical Reaction [Video File] Retrieved from https://youtu.be/JSiBSSFKRwE

Essential Understandings:

Chemical reactions indicate that new substances with different properties have been formed.

According to the law of conservation of mass, the mass of the products in a chemical reaction must equal the mass of the reactants.

The law of conservation of mass states that mass can neither be created or destroyed by chemical reactions or physical transformations.

Guiding Questions:

What are products in a chemical reaction?

What are reactants in a chemical reaction?

What evidences indicate that a chemical reaction has taken place and formed new substances with different properties?

Vocabulary

chemical property

chemical reaction

coefficient

compound

law of conservation of mass

physical change

precipitate

product

property

reactant

reactivity

solution

yield

Module TASKS and Instructions:

  • Read assigned pages in iScience text 119-128
  • Complete Learning Notes -
  • Supporting Videos - Watch each video and take notes in your composition notebook.

· Indicators Chemical Reaction https://youtu.be/JUH9E1M0Gwc

· Evidence of a Chemical Reaction https://youtu.be/JSiBSSFKRwE

Discussion via Padlet - Learners will explore and observe various chemical reactions located on the padlet. Students will identify evidence indicator that determine

  • Complete the Interactive Simulation Virtual Lab ( Gizmo )

The learner will engage and explore the structure of 3 different atoms

  • Deliverable Evidence of Learning

Assignment1: Students will investigate a chemical reaction and state what evidence indicator were present.

Assignment 2: students will investigate chemical equations and determine how chemical reactions align with law of conservation of mass.

Quiz Click the link to access the quiz. All students are required to pass with 80% or higher to receive credit.  


Identify and describe two existing courses in your school that you could redesign into online courses. Enter below using the space you need.

Preparing students for 21st century students to be college and career ready requires regulartechnology access. It is my belief that equitable access stems from routine integration of technology cross all content. As I curated my first course in CourseSites, I though about other 8th grade courses that could just as easily be redesigned to a format of online asynchronous leaning environment. Two in particular which I would focus is 8th grade Math and 8th Grade Reading. According to the Texas promotional standards, students are required to pass STAAR Math and STAAR Reading with at least 50% to show that their content knowledge approaches the required grade level standard. integrating technology into these 2 courses will expand student technology exposure and additional learning support for all learners. Math and reading is Not only a student promotional standard, the school rating is heavily connected to the assessment report and ranking. Therefore, I believe both students and the campus can benefit from redesigning both online courses I suggested.

8th Grade Math and 8th Grade Reading are courses that are required by the State of Texas and students are required to master standards which prepare them for Algebra I and English I. Many students struggle mastering these particular courses and many students find them to be quite intimidated. Changing the courses to online/ asynchronous will enable the learner to follow a self paced model providing each student flexibility of learning. As an instructor, I can expand the learning styles and differentiation of lessons to assist with student mastery. Face to face learning is very limited to how many students can respond with in a specific time frame during discussion or checking for understanding. Paring interactive notes and feedback decreases student misconceptions and increases understanding which leads to content mastery.

8th Grade Math requires reading graphs, equations, and formulas. The main tool utilized to assist the students with their tasks is the calculator. I would create a series of learner notes with the purpose of enabling students with visual and audio for each lesson. Student activities would include simulations that connect logical and kinesthetic learning. Students would part take in class discussions that supports students as they articulate what is know and how they know it. Students would be able to activate interpersonal skills as they learn from one another through the group discussion and virtual gallery walk. 8th Grade Reading would be arranging similar to 8t Grade Math but with more audio an visual support. I would like to provide students with immersive readers so that students are able to hear and see efficient reading. Learning notes would include various visuals and concept mapping to support comprehension and guide student thinking. Students with learning abilities and students who are learning English as a second language need various support to aid in their understanding and understanding. The online reading course would be beneficial to all students but the special populations would benefit the most.

In addition to the required content and standards Math and Reading are held accountable for introducing, I would integrate real world connections and career connections to each lesson. The students would relate the learned lessons to specific experiences within their daily life. Students would utilize technology to research specific careers that are linked to the topics and activities. This will make learning relevant and motivating for all students.

My original course I set up for 8th grade Science is in course sites. However, I believe creating in a platform that is a little easier to follow and read as a beginning reader. Coursesites would be more ideal for higher level secondary learners. It's Learning and Canvas seemed to be a little more eye friendly and easier to navigate as a beginning reader. I look forward to curating my next online course.  

© 2020 Ashleigh M. Blackmon #TheDigitalLearner  
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