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The LMS can be a scary place. Some LMS platforms like Canvas try to be as intuitive as possible. Others might meet all the technical requirements but they are so 1999. As the teacher, there are few suggestions that might work if you are teaching a first year, lower division class.
1. If your school switched LMS, spend time getting acclimated to the platform THEN teach the students. Speaking from personal experience, if everyone is in the same boat, do not show frustration with the new system or compare it negatively to the old system. There is a reason for… >>>
I learned about the different learning types. I have not yet seen the "Intimidator" type as a student. Perhaps what is just as important is how to elicit responses from "depdendent" and the quiet ones. Lastly, I learned how to keep the surfing and meandering students back on track.
The section on counseling is highly important because students will come to the instructor with all manner of problems, from personal to technical. It is important to set expectations, such as 24 hr turn around (not immediate), confidentiality, and escalation if necessary.
This is a good reminder to have the students post their bio, either as a first week discussion or as an assignment.
I have used Canvas from both sides - as a student and now as an administrator. Canvas is a great tool and is almost a one-stop shop for many CMS and LMS requirements. The only thing I have not see OOTB is a chat module. That may or may not be necessary if the courses are completely asynchronous.
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