learning management systems: the pros and cons of open-source lmss

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Pros and cons of open-source LMSs LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

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This presentation details some associated pros and cons of using open-source learning management systems. Resources used: Edublogs.org. (2011). Dayle on OET. Retrieved from: http://oetdayleh.edublogs.org/2008/08/13/lms-pros-and-cons/ Novinson, E. (2011). What are the pros & cons of learning management systems. Retrieved from: http://www.ehow.com/info_8222356_pros-cons-learning-management-system.html

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Page 1: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

Pros and cons of open-source LMSs

LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Page 2: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

While all learning management systems “claim” to be easy to use, open source systems are often times some of the

easiest to learn to use. In addition, because there is limited support, many times there is a wealth of “how to”

documents and support tutorials provided to assist in course development.

PRO: EASE OF USE

Page 3: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

A learning management system can provide When the same learning management systems is used across

courses/subjects, there is a minimal amount of time spent orientation students to the online environment of their

course.

PRO: COMMON INTERFACE

Page 4: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

A learning management system can provide instant feedback to a student. If a student is practicing for a test, he can enter responses to questions, and the system can

immediately tell him whether he got a question correct, and the potential reasons for a wrong answer. The student can also get his grade for a homework assignment or a test as

soon as he finishes the task.

PRO: INSTANT RESULTS

Page 5: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

Because the learning management system can easily grade true-or-false and multiple-choice questions, it reduces the

time the professor needs for grading. The learning management system can also store important documents such as the course syllabus, so a student who loses her

copy does not have to ask the professor for another copy.

PRO: EDUCATOR CONVENIENCE

Page 6: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

A learning management system restricts academic sharing. In many courses, only the current students can see the

links to papers, discussions in course forums, and responses from the professor, unlike a web page the

professor posts that the public can visit. The course closes at the end of the semester, so students can't go back and

refresh their knowledge.

PRO: ACADEMIC DISCUSSION

Page 7: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

Setting up a learning management system is expensive. Proprietary learning management systems often cost the school a license fee each year. If the school uses an open

learning management system, it will have to purchase computer equipment to host the system, and it may need to

hire extra information technology employees to keep the system functioning and provide technical support to

teachers.

PRO: COST

Page 8: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

A learning management system offers several types of communication tools. The system can host its own web forum, mail service and chat client. Using the learning

management system ensures that each student can easily access all of these tools without installing additional software programs, and that all students are using

compatible communications methods.

PRO: LEARNING TOOLS

Page 9: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

Vendor lock-in is a problem with learning management systems. A course module that operates on one vendor's

learning management system may not function on another's. If teachers and students get used to using one learning management system, they may complain if the

school decides to switch to another one.

PRO: LOCK-IN

Page 10: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

There is a lot of really great content that is “off limits” on unprotected Internet spaces such as web pages. However,

many copyright laws allow for resources to be used in education as long as they are behind a password protected

system such as an LMS

PRO: COPYRIGHT

Page 11: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

• can be restrictive in many ways• often the tools don’t work how you want them to• the navigation and look and feel is usually somewhat

predetermined• sometimes it leads to the technology driving the learning

rather than how it should be with the learning driving the technology

• sometimes makes it hard to share• limited support, if any• Advertisements displayed in the LMS

CONS

Page 12: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

Control is outside the institution, raising concerns about interruptions of service, the security of data and personal informa tion, and the effect on an institution’s reputation

that could result from a security breach.

CON: CONTROL

Page 13: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

Institutions that adopt third-party applica tions for learning have little or no recourse if those products are poorly maintained, shut down for repairs, or cease to exist.

CON: RECOURSE

Page 14: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

While some applications include privacy settings, these are generally not subject to the institution’s authentication

protocols. As a re sult, many instructors return to the LMS for student grading to ensure compliance with applicable

regulations.

CON: PRIVACY

Page 15: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

While some web applications use emerging web standards, they are not designed to access the student information

system, course reporting, or enrollment information.

CON: ACCESS

Page 16: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

In addition, any alternative LMS could raise issues about a lack of technical support, a dearth of faculty sup port, an

increasingly fragmented student learning environment, and the absence of a common learning platform.

CON: SUPPORT

Page 17: Learning Management Systems: The pros and cons of open-source LMSs

Edublogs.org. (2011). Dayle on OET. Retrieved from: http://oetdayleh.edublogs.org/2008/08/13/lms-pros-and-cons/

Novinson, E. (2011). What are the pros & cons of learning management systems. Retrieved from: http://www.ehow.com/info_8222356_pros-cons-learning-management-system.html

RESOURCES