LMS

=LMS Tool/technology title=

Author(s): Anton Thiart
 * //Mhakamuni//

1. Definition
A learning management system (LMS) is an integrated set of web-based tools for course management and delivery. //Furthermore, LMS. Learning Management Systems are learning platforms that provide tools for designing, building and delivering online learning environment. They have capacity to create residentail virtual learning environemnt or fully online virtual learning environemnt. They provide tools that for asynchronous and synchronous communication,// //content development and delivery, formative and summative assessment and monitoring and tracking activities. LMS are one way of taking education to the people, not taking people to education. However, there is researchers argue that Universities use LMS to deliver course content.// It enables the designer to create a course site where students can access, engage and interact with online information and activities, and with people in the online environment. As a tool it allows an educator to build web-based learning environments without a lot of time, resources or technical expertise. //Reseachers argue that LMS are not used innovatively in education//

2. Examples of products (open source/free or commercial)
Blackboard is a commercial product which was developed by educators at the University of British Columbia. It provides excellent administration features, such as back-ups and student tracking. //One might assume that open source is one way of commercialising content. One would question what control do universities have over the code?// The software aims to provide all (most) e learning tools on one platform. This makes it confusing for first-time developers and students. It is very flexible; educators can display only the tools which is deemed applicable.

Moodle, Sakai and KEWL are examples of open source software. The obvious advantage is that it is free, but it lacks in the support available in commercial products. //Interestingly, unlike commercial source, open source enable universities to adapt and develop software. Universities have overall control on the pedagogical content.// Open source systems lack more sophisticated administration tools, such as automatic back-ups. Administration of these systems could be time consuming.

3. Examples of applications for Teaching and Learning
These systems provide multiple tools, specifically chosen to assist in teaching and learning on one platform. Various communication tools form part of LMSs. Examples are communication tools like online calendars, electronic mail, blogs, wikis, chat, choice and discussion groups. Educators can also post announcements. Content tools include uploading of files (most formats including video, audio podcasts), online assignments, databases, assessment tools as well as questionnaires. File management including uploading and down loading of files as well as course administration tools may be included. //One can monitor and track all activities.//

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[] [] (search Moodle, Blackboard etc.) [] // [] // //[]// //[|http://moodlemoot.org.au].//