Authenticated openLMS model
The full service model follows all aspects and processes like the 2 in-person branches by MNTS which it operates directly. To make use of all aspects of MNTS curriculum, assignment, assessment outside MN schools uses OpenLMS (https://openlms.mntamilschool.org) instead of internal LMS (https://lms.mntamilschool.org).
For the first 4 years of Basic levels namely Mazhalai, Basic 1, 2 & 3, it uses a printed booklet for in-person classes and students should not bring any electronic devices for learning. Teachers use digital content for teaching inside the classroom for listening/speaking skills and traditional paper based model reading/writing, whereas weekly assignment is fully online and students complete all assignments via OpenLMS only and no paper submissions. OpenLMS assignment submissions is the only way possible for listening and speaking to digitally submit before the next class. Reading and writing are also submitted as scanned copies which will be reviewed by the teacher before next class. OpenLMS assignment submission by students and review/feedback by teachers is fully tracked in digital format for both student, parent and teachers to keep track of its completion along with retakes, if any.
This process helps teachers to fully devote classroom sessions in teaching and avoid assignment corrections on paper. Paper based assignments are not helping the students to correct their mistakes unless getting new copies of the assignment sheets. By digitally managing assignments via LMS, it provides any number of iterations for students to practice and fully understand the various LSRW assignments for each week.
ALL intermediate levels (UNIT 1 to 18) are fully paperless in the classroom by students bringing their own devices. With the full use of OpenLMS students need a digital device like iPad, Mac, Chromebook or Windows laptop, preferably the device students use for public school work from Monday to Friday. Using these familiar devices by students for weekend Tamil learning also greatly helps students to operate and use the devices without any support. Bringing separate personal devices may need additional support at Tamil School and also for completing assignments with the variations of operating systems and restricted access issues. Public school devices which are familiar for students greatly reduce the navigation issues with personal devices (mostly from parents with restricted access).
Students use the devices inside the classroom only for skills like Reading, Listening, Pop-quiz/Realtime quiz, Grammar responses and only upon the advice of teachers. For the speaking skills classrooms for full interaction with fellow students moderated by Teacher which does not require a digital device inside the classroom. In the same way, writing skills need only a sheet of paper or notebook to take notes or complete activities instructed by teachers. Assignments are fully online via OpenLMS and need to be submitted before next class. Interpreting reading/listening skills will get auto graded in interactive H5P’s and students need to complete them until getting it completed 100% without any errors. Any number of iterations to complete the assignment is OK but getting it completed 100% is the key for their full understanding.
Speaking and Writing assignment responses by each student are unique for the same question, teachers review each student’s responses to provide appropriate feedback for correction and improvement. Each student needs improvement to enrich their speaking and writing skills on various aspects like appropriate vocabulary, proper grammar usage, sentence formations and making the listener comprehend it fully for various intermediate Low/Mid/High proficiency levels.
Assessment: Assessment of LSRW skills for Basic levels (Mazhalai, Basic 1, 2 & 3) uses the combination of paper based, teacher observation and digital recording for speaking in OpenLMS. OpenLMS has all the latest updated assessments and teachers have the control to enable them only during assessments within their class.
Intermediate units 1 to 18 assessments are fully online for LSRW skills.
OpenLMS has a standard gradebook setup for end of semester assessments.
Gradebook also tracks weekly attendance, weekly assignment completion and end of semester assessment grading to prepare the gradebook. For the full assessment process, refer it here:
How to get access for Teachers and their student for the each of the semester courses in OpenLMS?
How to get reduced print version for classroom for the levels Mazhalai, Basic 1, 2 & 3?
Teachers OpenLMS Manual
Students OpenLMS Manual
Syllabus feedback form