Faq | LMS IIU

Learning Management System (LMS) and G-Suite for Education

Q. What is LMS?

The Learning Management System (LMS) is a solution for planning, managing and delivering all learning activities online.
Q. What does Learning Management System do?

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs. The concept of learning management system emerged directly from e-Learning.
Q. What is e-learning?

E-Learning is a mode of learning that deploys electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom. It refers to a course, program or degree delivered completely online.
Q. If we were already using LMS, then why is there a need to shift to G Suite or Google Classroom?

This is not a paradigm shift; we are still on LMS Paradigm. We are just switching the platform from the initially recommended MOODLE to G-Suite or more specifically, Google Classroom.
Q. What is G Suite (or G Suite for Education) and what does it include?

G Suite is a collection of web-based email, messaging and communication applications. It is hosted on Google’s servers. These are offered as a service rather than as software to be downloaded and installed. In order to access G Suite, one merely requires a web browser, preferably Google Chrome, on a computer that has a connection to the Internet. Some of these G Suite services are also present as apps which can be used on your smart phones/tablets, etc. These apps can be readily downloaded from your Play Store so that the services of G Suite may be availed. You have to use your IIUI email to log in to get the G Suite services.
Q. Are there any similarities between G Suite and the personal, free version of Gmail and Google Calendar?

They are similar; but we'll be using the business-class edition of G Suite that is free for educational institutions, which provides more features along a higher level of storage, and support. IIUI’s IT department manages the administration of the G Suite services.
Q. What is Google Drive?

Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service developed by Google. It offers file storage to its users on their servers. It enables a synchronization of files across multiple devices as well as file sharing. Additionally, Google Drive provides apps that also have offline capabilities for Windows and Mac OS computers, and for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Google Drive is a compendium of Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. Collectively, these are all a part of an office suite that allows a collaborative editing of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, forms, etc. All files and documents created and edited via the office suite are saved in the Google Drive.
Q. What is Google Classroom?

Google Classroom is a tool of free collaboration geared towards the requirements of teachers and students. On Google Classroom, teachers can easily create online classrooms, invite students to attend classes and to create and distribute assignments. It provides a convenient interface for students and teachers to have conversations about various topics and assignments. Most importantly, it permits teachers to track students’ progress. It is necessary to keep in mind that it is mandatory for educational institutes to register for a free G Suite for Education account to use Classroom.
Q. How is Google Classroom related to G Suite for educational purposes?

Google Classroom is an important component of G Suite for Education. It includes Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides and other forms of classroom work to work in sync with G Suite for Education. Thereby, it permits instructors and students to collaborate and communicate with ease, to create classes, and even to distribute work. It enables all classroom-based activities to be maintained and saved in an organized manner.
Q. What is the difference between Google Classroom or G Suite? Is it the same thing?

Google Classroom is a feature or product in the G Suite for Education, which includes many features such as Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc. Classroom facilitates easy communication between instructors and students and enables them to share course content, evaluate assignments and maintain records in an organised manner.
Q. Is Google Classroom accessible to users who have disabilities?

Yes, accessibility to Google Classroom is not a problem for users with disabilities. Moreover, at Google, the process of improvement is ongoing as it is constantly trying to enhance classroom accessibility for users with disabilities. However, you may use Google Classroom with the help of Accessibility features available in Android phones and many systems these days.
Learning Management System (LMS) at International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
Q. I think LMS is mandatory and anyone who wants to use Google Classroom, can do so through LMS. So, could you please confirm if we can use Google classroom through the University LMS?

As mentioned earlier, LMS means Learning Management System, which is a broader term used for online learning management system or distance learning (e-learning). It encompasses many online platforms like G-suite (Google Classroom, Google Docs and any other Google based platform), Moodle and other online learning sub-systems. Therefore, if we are going to switch to LMS, IIUI has officially selected Google Classroom as a preferred LMS.
Q. Does Google Classroom provide a convenient and user-friendly environment?

Google Classroom is an education friendly platform that brings the benefits of paperless sharing, digital education transformation and digital collaboration between teachers and students in online classrooms. It is the ease of use that makes it more convenient to use than conventional LMSs. A course teacher would be sharing an enrollment key that would allow students to join that classroom/course.
Q. Do we, the teachers, enroll students in the classroom, or would the Automation Section do that?

Google Classroom does not automate the student enrolment. Enrollment in any Google classroom is by an enrollment key (or classroom code). A teacher has to share the class enrollment key with the students. Once students join the course, the teacher can reset the key to control the joining of the class. Manual verification of students will be done using a list provided by the Program Coordinator's office.
Q. Define an Electronic folder or e-folder. Is it the course maintained on LMS or is it any windows folder containing the pertinent course material in our computers?

An e-folder (also known as digital portfolio, online portfolio, e-portfolio, or e-Folio) is a collection of electronic materials compiled by a user. For a teacher, an e-folder may include online audio/video lectures, URLs, e-books, etc. It is a complete collection of resource materials, including audio/video lectures, URLs, e-books, images, multimedia, blog entries, hyperlinks, class discussions, assignments received, evaluated and returned.
This e-folder is to be placed on Google Drive or any other platform that is accessible online. All teachers will have to maintain e-folders of all individual courses, which will comprise lectures, video/audio tutorials, notes, PPTs, reference books, assignments, quizzes or any other relevant material distributed according to the week-wise topics of the remaining lectures. These e-folders will be uploaded on Google Classroom (named with the respective course). An e-folder must be named with the course code and that course code will be provided by IT.
Q. Does G Suite provide a reporting mechanism for classes/courses?

It is available with limited features only, but the IT department is working on monitoring the dashboard using Google Developer Application Programming Interface (API) for audit purposes as per HEC guidelines.
Q. How can a student join a class on Google Classroom or download the material uploaded by the teacher?

The Google Classroom platform will be used by teachers to create classes of their respective courses. A key will be generated by Google against each course, which will be shared with the students by the teacher through emails or phone numbers. Students can join the class using that key, and will get all updates about the course though emails/ messages. It is important to mention that only IIU emails can be used to join Google Classroom.
Teachers can also add students themselves using their email IDs or Registration Numbers. However, the best approach is to share the classroom key (class code) with the students asking them to join the course.
Q. What type of a file can I upload to Google Drive/Google Classroom?

You can upload any type of a file to Drive and convert certain types of files to a web-based Google document format: Docs, Sheets, or Slides, audio and video recordings, etc. If the files are too large, you may compress them with the help of various free online compression/zip tools.
Q. Will the downloaded/accessed document files be available in the offline mode?

Yes. Accessed or downloaded files will also be available in the offline mode.
Q. Is there a classroom app for my phone or tablet or computer?

Yes. According to the “Classroom FAQ” posted by Google Support, “Google Classroom app is available for Apple, IOS, Android and Chrome devices”.
Q. Do I have to pay for Google Classroom?

No, Google Classroom is free for all the users.
Teachers' Queries about LMS IIUI
Q. Does Google Classroom offer auto-grading or any other assessment mechanism?

Google Classroom has an add-on called, Google Forms: In Google Forms, there is an option of Auto-Submit Grades in Classroom. This means that once your students click the submit button for their assigned task (quiz or assignment, etc.), Google Forms will not only grade your assessment, but a button has been added allowing you to import those grades into Classroom in one click.
Q. How can we (the teachers) create a course using Google Classroom?

IIUI’s IT department would be creating courses on Google Classroom based on the data provided by the Faculty/Department. Once a teacher signs in using their IIUI email account, they would be able to see their courses along with any other previously created courses. As a teacher, if you want to create a new course on your own for any learning activity, you may do so by clicking the plus sign at the top right hand corner, and choosing Create Class. Type in the Class Name and Section. A key for the class will be generated automatically that you may share with your students to join the class.
Q. Do teachers have to upload on both Google Classroom and Google Drive?

Google Classroom is linked with Google Drive. Everything uploaded as Google Classroom material goes into the classroom folder on the linked Google Drive. If you have uploaded your notes earlier, they can also be linked to the Classroom material.
Q. Will I be able to change the content of my e-folder once uploaded?

Yes, you can change/update/delete any content you have uploaded in the Google Classroom & E-Folder.
Q. Do we (the teachers) have to provide supporting material in the form of PPT only or any other document or format is acceptable?

You can share supporting material in any form of document, either PPT, docs, PDFs or any other depending upon your choice. You have to use all of the teaching resources to maximize the students' understanding of the relevant concepts.
Q. Is it mandatory to share the lecture recordings to students, since we have to take online classes too?

Creating and sharing Audio/Video recordings is mandatory as some of the students of remote areas might have a limited or time-bound internet facility and could miss participating in the online class-sessions. This way, they can access/download the lecture recordings at their ease or according to availability of the internet. Google Meet also provides the option to record your meetings or online lectures/class that can be shared.
Q. How will I record audio/ video for the lectures?

For recording an audio, there are several recording software/apps available on your laptops and mobile telephones. You do not have to buy any special equipment (microphone, camera, lights etc.) for recording at home. Windows 7/10 both have built in audio/video recorder apps that can record good quality audio in mp3 format. Voice recorder apps are also in-built in android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Moreover, Google Meet can also be used to record audios and videos of synchronous or even asynchronous sessions.
Q. What will be the format of the video and audio?

You can upload any web support audio/ video file which can run in the browser. For audio, you should record and distribute it in mp3 format. For video, mp4 format delivers the best quality in a smaller video size.
Q. What should be the length of Audio/Video Recording?

A 15-minute Audio/Video recording would be enough. If your video/audio is longer in duration, you should divide it into parts/clips of 15 minutes each making it easy for students to download. Do add number sequencing for easy referencing. No single clip/recording should be of more than 15 minutes in duration.
Q. Is it mandatory to put audio/video recordings of lectures in e-folder at this stage?

Yes, it is mandatory to put audio/video lectures of the remaining topics. This is to satisfy the Audit Review requirements and to indicate compliance with the HEC guidelines.
Q. Do we have to record a lecture during interactive Google classroom/Meet sessions, once online classes will start?

No, it is not mandatory to record the live lectures/meet sessions once online teaching starts. A teacher may choose to record live sessions and share them.
Q. How can I display/solve mathematical equations in my lecture notes?

Both Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint have a built-in equation editor to show equations. An equation editor is an easy to use tool that facilitates the user to add mathematical formulae in their PowerPoint. You can visit the given link: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/write-an-equation-or-formula-1d01cabc-ceb1-458d-bc70-7f9737722702 and learn more about it.
Another option is to use a blank A4 paper, write equations on it and then scan its image and import it in your word or PowerPoint file.
Q. How will I avail the studio facility to record my lectures?

Faculty members who wish to use the studio facilities at IIUI for recording their lecture, are advised to contact their HODs, who would guide them to the relevant person for this service.
Q. I teach Programming/Tools; in class I used to show them on my Laptop screen. How can I do that now?

A lot of teachers who teach programming or tools need to use specific software and guide students about the installation or configuration steps. You can use a screen capturing and audio recording software for this. If a teacher wants to record, use the computer screen as a blackboard; the screen may be recorded with voice over in a device called Bandicam (For Windows 10). For Mac users, Mac’s QuickTime Player is available that can capture both screen and audio.
Q. Do I have to make a PowerPoint presentation for all the lectures?

No, using a PowerPoint presentation is not necessary. You can use handwritten notes, images, or any material that you feel is essential to support your lecture may be shared. You can take any white paper and write your notes and share them as PDF documents. Office lens and CAM Studio are popular apps on Android phones that can help you to take pictures of papers and convert them to PDFs.
Q. Will the IT section create courses/ classes in Google Classroom or will the teachers create the Google Classroom classes themselves?

The IT Section will create courses/classes according to the total registered courses for the semester as recorded in the university Student Information System (Al-Jamiah). The teachers will then upload their e-folder’s content to the designated classes, from their e-folders, (i.e., from 04-May-2020 onwards).
Q. Will the Faculty e-folder and its sub-folders, created by teachers be uploaded in Google classroom automatically or the concerned teacher will have to do that?

The concerned teachers will have to upload the material related to every course/class themselves in Google Classroom.
Q. When the IT department creates courses in Google Classroom, will these be automatically available/visible in our accounts?

Yes, these will be automatically visible to you on your Google Classroom’s main page (when signed in by your IIU accounts). You can upload the course material from your Google Drive to the Google Classroom/course then.
Q. I teach the same course at both male and female campuses, should I make separate e-folders for both courses?

Yes, these are considered as two different courses and are to be reported to two different program offices thus a separate e-folder is required, with similar contents. This convention will be followed once Google Classroom courses are created by the IT department.
Q. I teach a course with multiple sections. Will there be a separate Google Classroom for each section?

As per IIUI’s current policy, a course is defined as 16 weeks of teaching activity by one designated teacher. A course offered to three sections but taught by one teacher is treated as three courses with separate time slots in the timetable. Teachers are advised to maintain an e-folder separately for each section; with similar contents if desired. This convention will be followed once Google Classroom courses are created by the IT department.
Q. My colleague and I teach the same course (same course code and title) but we each have different sections. Do we need to have a common e-folder?

No, a course and its sections can be taught by multiple teachers and are treated as separate courses with separate time slots in the timetable. Teachers are advised to maintain e-folder separately for each section. The course can have different course outline/contents as per choice of their respective teachers. The audio video components of the topics are the individual teacher’s responsibility. They may collaborate with each other if desired.
Q. Can teachers share their Google Classroom with the students before audit?

No, the classes in Google Classroom will be shared after audit review and clearance. Google Classroom’s classes will be created by the IT Department. In the meanwhile, teachers are required to complete their e-folders and fill in the checklist already shared on email.
Q. Can the teacher see what the students are doing on Google Classroom?

Google Classroom allows students and teachers to stay abreast of the status of all assignments. Teachers can see how many students completed/turned in assignments at a glance on the Classwork page, and a more detailed status by the user is provided when viewing the individual assignment.
Q. Can teachers use Google Classroom to teach live, like with Zoom?

While it does not have Zoom, Google Classroom has an equally good substitute for Zoom. Google offers premium features of Google Meet to teachers and students, which allows for virtual meetings of up to 250 people as well as live streaming. In addition to live video capabilities, the recording feature in Meet gives teachers an easy tool for creating pre-recorded lesson videos for students to watch on their own time.
Students' Queries about LMS IIUI
Q. Do students need IIUI Email addresses for Google classroom?

A student can access Google Classroom using any Gmail account. However, to receive email notifications or any material related to course, they should be asked to get their IIU email addresses immediately. A teacher should encourage students to get their IIUI emails as soon as possible. Ask students to follow this link: https://www.iiu.edu.pk/?page_id=2925 for more details.
Q. Can students make changes to their assignment/work, after submission of the same?

Yes, students can make changes/edit their files, even if they have submitted their assignment, before the due date. Google Classroom allow students to un-submit work, make changes and resubmit it, but it is suggested to do so if allowed by the concerned teacher.
Q. How do students find assignments, due dates, or grades in Google Classroom?

In Google Classroom, available classes get displayed for students after they sign in. They will need to click on or tap a class, then Classwork (from the top menu), and then View My Work. For further details, please refer to the LMS Tutorials.
Q. Can students edit documents in Google Classroom?

Students can work on the assignment by viewing a document, editing a shared document, or editing their individual copy of a document. However, after turning in (submitting) the assignment or file from Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides, only the teacher has edit access. The student, however, does have a resubmission option before the due date of assignment submission.
Q. Can students communicate with the teacher and with each other in Google Classroom?

Yes. Students can easily communicate by posting comments on the Stream page of the class (which works like a Facebook page). They can also communicate through Gmail (in our scenario IIU email) or directly through the built-in chat when students share their Docs or Sheets with each other.
Google Meet is another way of communicating with one another. However, most of the communication and collaboration among the students is done within the framework of an existing assignment or course contents and with the permission of the teacher.

Q. I (a student) have issues with fee payment, installment payment etc., whom should I contact?

For any issues regarding fee payment, a student may contact by sending an email to the following people:
1. Mr. Bilal Ahmad (Fee Section - Male) | [email protected]
2. Ms. Mariam Javed (Dy. Director Finance - Female) | [email protected]

Learning Management System (LMS) and G-Suite for Education

Q. What is LMS?

Q. What does Learning Management System do?

Q. What is e-learning?

Q. If we were already using LMS, then why is there a need to shift to G Suite or Google Classroom?

Q. What is G Suite (or G Suite for Education) and what does it include?

Q. Are there any similarities between G Suite and the personal, free version of Gmail and Google Calendar?

Q. What is Google Drive?

Q. What is Google Classroom?

Q. How is Google Classroom related to G Suite for educational purposes?

Q. What is the difference between Google Classroom or G Suite? Is it the same thing?

Q. Is Google Classroom accessible to users who have disabilities?

Learning Management System (LMS) at International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)

Q. I think LMS is mandatory and anyone who wants to use Google Classroom, can do so through LMS. So, could you please confirm if we can use Google classroom through the University LMS?

Q. Does Google Classroom provide a convenient and user-friendly environment?

Q. Do we, the teachers, enroll students in the classroom, or would the Automation Section do that?

Q. Define an Electronic folder or e-folder. Is it the course maintained on LMS or is it any windows folder containing the pertinent course material in our computers?

Q. Does G Suite provide a reporting mechanism for classes/courses?

Q. How can a student join a class on Google Classroom or download the material uploaded by the teacher?

Q. What type of a file can I upload to Google Drive/Google Classroom?

Q. Will the downloaded/accessed document files be available in the offline mode?

Q. Is there a classroom app for my phone or tablet or computer?

Q. Do I have to pay for Google Classroom?

Teachers' Queries about LMS IIUI

Q. Does Google Classroom offer auto-grading or any other assessment mechanism?

Q. How can we (the teachers) create a course using Google Classroom?

Q. Do teachers have to upload on both Google Classroom and Google Drive?

Q. Will I be able to change the content of my e-folder once uploaded?

Q. Do we (the teachers) have to provide supporting material in the form of PPT only or any other document or format is acceptable?

Q. Is it mandatory to share the lecture recordings to students, since we have to take online classes too?

Q. How will I record audio/ video for the lectures?

Q. What will be the format of the video and audio?

Q. What should be the length of Audio/Video Recording?

Q. Is it mandatory to put audio/video recordings of lectures in e-folder at this stage?

Q. Do we have to record a lecture during interactive Google classroom/Meet sessions, once online classes will start?

Q. How can I display/solve mathematical equations in my lecture notes?

Q. How will I avail the studio facility to record my lectures?

Q. I teach Programming/Tools; in class I used to show them on my Laptop screen. How can I do that now?

Q. Do I have to make a PowerPoint presentation for all the lectures?

Q. Will the IT section create courses/ classes in Google Classroom or will the teachers create the Google Classroom classes themselves?

Q. Will the Faculty e-folder and its sub-folders, created by teachers be uploaded in Google classroom automatically or the concerned teacher will have to do that?

Q. When the IT department creates courses in Google Classroom, will these be automatically available/visible in our accounts?

Q. I teach the same course at both male and female campuses, should I make separate e-folders for both courses?

Q. I teach a course with multiple sections. Will there be a separate Google Classroom for each section?

Q. My colleague and I teach the same course (same course code and title) but we each have different sections. Do we need to have a common e-folder?

Q. Can teachers share their Google Classroom with the students before audit?

Q. Can the teacher see what the students are doing on Google Classroom?

Q. Can teachers use Google Classroom to teach live, like with Zoom?

Students' Queries about LMS IIUI

Q. Do students need IIUI Email addresses for Google classroom?

Q. Can students make changes to their assignment/work, after submission of the same?

Q. How do students find assignments, due dates, or grades in Google Classroom?

Q. Can students edit documents in Google Classroom?

Q. Can students communicate with the teacher and with each other in Google Classroom?

Q. I (a student) have issues with fee payment, installment payment etc., whom should I contact?