Group items tagged

This article reflects the theoretical views on what inhibits learning within online classes. It begins by identifying students enrolled in higher ed today as differing significantly for those considered to be "traditional" students. Students today want a "stripped down", as stated by the author, version of education. They don't want to pay for that which they won't use. Contemporary students are more interested in high quality courses that focus on learning the topic at hand, rather than the extra experiences one can attain by attending university in a traditional fashion.

One of the more interesting points regading the pedagogical element of online learning is that higher ed instructors don't take classes in how to teach students, which can make for some less than stellar instructors. And, this phenomenon is exaccerbated by technology and distance learning. In other words, those with poor classroom teaching skills are generally worse online teachers.

*This article is on the older side (2002), but I liked that it addressed distance learning as a category and highlighted general barriers to distance learning. Perhaps all problems are related to the LMS.*

This article addresses the use of learning management systems as a "social portal" for learning. It also discusses the integration of web 2.0 tools into an LMS. Though it deals with one specific LMS, many of the topics are applicable to other learning management systems.

This is a good article for understanding how an LMS can be used to enhance student learning through communication. It discusses the benefits to using an LMS or VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) and acknowledges that less tech savvy teachers may be apprehensive. The articles discussions of social learning point to a need for analysis of all discussion and communication functions within the LMS we examine.

This is an exhaustive study of the effectiveness of online learning conducted through an LMS. The study looks at how well learners can apply knowledge once they have completed tasks within an LMS. This is a resource for effectiveness and barriers to learning.

This article outlines ten principles for the design of both online and traditional learning environments. The article links and references research on how the mind works as a basis for these principles. It addresses topics such as what interactions should occur in learning, how to address a variety of learners, the role of mentors, directors and facilitators, and the development of knowledge based on individual experiences.

A good blog post focusing on social learning theories and how social learning can be an important aspect of an LMS. Also addresses some of the pitfalls of an LMS being too social.

This is a short blog post, but I liked that it confirmed some information from other articles I read about the "clunky" nature of the LMS and how this prohibits the desire to use it just when person is in a learning moment. This particular article relates to private business LMS's, but I think the point is still valid, and maybe even more so as it substantiates that this is not just an issue with education, but with people. The LMS can be a barrier to learning in general.

This article references a number of pieces of research on online learning and distance education. This includes six elements of a distance learning program as well as descriptions of which students may be served by online vs. traditional education.

This is a report comparing and contrasting LMS and LCMSs. The report points out the essential functions of each, how their use differs and then how the two work together to engender learning. The focus od this report is on learning in an organization, but it is a good introduction to the differences of LMSs and LCMSs. Essentially, an LMS is used to automate the entire learning process from content delivery to assessment, whereas a LCMS is used to house learning objects that can be used to build different learning experiences.

This PDF addresses a number of issues related to learning management systems. Specifically, I plan on pulling out some information relating to collaborative learning and customization for creating an engaging learning experience.

This is a committee report describing University of North Alabama's comparison of three LMSs including both Blackboard and Angel. The report looked at the ability of the LMSs to meet certain criteria including Wide user base, scalability, vendor stability, learning outcomes management and reporting and others.

A good resource regarding online learning in the K-12 environment. This provides insight into the social learning process from the point of view from both the student and the teacher (i.e. student collaborating with students / students collaborating with teachers).

I found this resource particularly useful. It addresses some of the key barriers and misconceptions about integrating social media into the classroom. Contains some interesting facts and figures regarding interaction on social media websites and how this usability could be linked to learning management systems.

A good resource covering integration of web 2.0 tools in learning management systems. Also covers the "major players" of social media (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and their possible application in learning management systems.

This small portion of the Horizon Report discusses "Critical Challenges" of using technology as a method for delivering content to students. The four main areas that present challenges according to the New Media Consortium, the organization that publishes the Horizon Report, are: A. Digital Media Literacy: We all know it is important, the challenge is that there isn't a consensus as to what skills constitute literacy. B. Assessment lags behind as new technologies emerge quicker than committees and such can adjust curriculum accordingly. C. The traditional university instruction models are being challenged by constantly emerging technologies that offer more economic ways to deliver content so that high quality courses are still offered. D. Instructors and students must be diligent to keep pace with emerging technology, which challenges both groups' to learn and develop literacy as it quickly evolves.

Although this website is for a specific learning management system. It provides a number of criteria for comparing LMSs including: fee type, source code availability, licensing model, installation type, business orientation, eLearning standards compliance, content creation possibilities, programming language, platform, and integration possibilities. Although not all of these apply to our SIG project this website can give us a good idea of the different iterations of LMSs on the market.

This is a good resource which takes a look at the various social aspects of an effective LMS, including social networking and feedback. It assesses Web 2.0 tools, the view of an LMS from administrator and user perspectives, and the interconnectivity of modern e-learning. It is very well-sourced and provides multiple means of assessing LMS's.

Although short, this is a good resource from a unique perspective. The article criticizes current LMS's and offer possible social solutions to the traditional Learning Mangement System. It also provides external resources and links to related sites.