learning management systems: the pros and cons of open-source lmss
DESCRIPTION
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.htmlTRANSCRIPT
Pros and cons of open-source LMSs
LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
• 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
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
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
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
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
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
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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