Integration of a prototype strategical tool on LMS for concept learning

Abstract

From the perspective of instructional design, when facing the different knowledge domains, the instructional strategies and activities should be matched for the different contents It is equally important when using LMS as a delivering platform for the web-based learning. However, regardless the popular mutual functions, most of LMSs do not provide teaching supporting tools or activities in particular knowledge domains for instructor to use. Therefore, LMS is only working as a better looking FTP, but not able to help instructors to deliver better instruction.In order to tackle this issue, this study first employed content analysis to induce the teaching strategies of conceptual knowledge domain and analyze the basic functions of LMSs on market. Then, following the content analysis, based on the open source code LMS Moodle, a plug in, strategical learning tool "concept pointer" has be designed and developed. Via the formative evaluation from experts, instructors and students, its advantage and usage have been discussed.According to the formative evaluation, the "concept pointer" could help instructors to highlight the learning content and inspire learners' understanding. As the results, the strategical learning tool "concept pointer" provided the positive effects to teaching and learning in the conceptual knowledge domain. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.