Learning Management Systems in Elementary Music - Part I

This last week in my Master's class we have been looking at Learning Management Systems.  Many LMS' exist and each has it's own strengths and weaknesses.  At the elementary level, I have seen some different applications used instead of an actual LMS, for instance Seesaw, and OneNote Classroom Notebook.  These seem to work very well at the elementary level to get students used to using one type of system in a myriad of ways.  Personally, I feel that both of those are great ways to prepare students for using a true Learning Management System.

Google now has it's own version of an LMS, but in many ways Google Apps have already been acting that way for many students and teachers.  With collaborative tools such as Gmail, and Google Docs, Spreadsheets, and Forms, the possibilities are endless for classroom use.  The whole system is actually very intuitive and easy to pick-up.  Now with Sites, Hangouts, and Talk, there are even more ways to work together as a classroom.  However, does this necessarily work in a music classroom?

In highschool and college music studies, there is definitely a place for an LMS.  Specifically within Google the Docs, Drive, and Forms create a great way to organize musical information.  Even in performing arts classes, there are many areas where responding to music in written form is required.  There is music theory that needs to be completed.  Using Google Forms to log practice hours, or create a survey regarding musical styles and preferences are possible.

At the elementary level, the need for an LMS is not there, but that does not mean it can't play an important part.  Those Google Forms (my favorite) would be great for exit tickets, music listening response forms, student surveys, and peer evaluations.  Writing a collaborative report on pop music in the 1960's could easily be done with Google Docs.  Having students take videos of their performances and uploading to Google Drive for review is another excellent way to use Google Apps.   At the elementary level, I'm not sure just using Google Apps as an LMS would be advantageous, but the apps themselves should absolutely be used!  Taking technology piece by piece may be the best tack for younger students.  However, I have not been able to see the new Google Classroom in action.  If it runs smoothly and intuitively, I would love to have a chance to try it out.

Part 2 LMS in Elementary Music