DreamLMS

This is a Power Point presentation that starts with a description of internet usage among teens and makes a case for the need of good LMSs. Additionally it offers graphics describing the parts possible as part of an LMS.

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 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.

This website has a quick overview comparing the features of 7 different LMSs including two we are looking at, Blackboard and Moodle, in our SIG.

This site allows one to "click to compare" 40 different LMSs (including different versions of the same system). 

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).

This blog post contains a list of test scenarios for LMS usability. The results of each scenario could help to expose problems or gaps withint he navigation and organization of an LMS.

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.

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 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 is a blog post from the blog link that Cory provided on my behalf, below. Thank you, Cory! It indicates that building a class from the LMS up is not the way to go. It is better to start building a course first and then select an LMS based on what suits the needs of the course. What is interesting is that many of the barriers to online learning seem to link to elements other than the LMS itself. Hmmmmmm. The perspective of the author is from private industry, but I'm not so sure that is much different that formal education.

In this link within a blog post, the author indicates that the LMS can be a barrier itself because some "on demand" information isn't easily plugged into the LMS. Even if you can provide a link within the LMS, it doesn't provide a seamless experience for the user.

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.

This is an article from Campusreporter.com. It has student feedback about the Desire2Learn LMS. The comments from students are both positive and negative. Using the commentary in this article some of our own testing can be directed. Essentially, see if what the students said for the article still hold true.

A comparison of Blackboard, Desire2Learn, Moodle, and SAKAI in light of their accessibility to all users, including those with disabilities. These LMSs were tested in eight categories including login, personalization, navigation, modules/tools, forms, authoring tools/content creation, help, and features affecting accessibility.

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.

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 site discusses "learning management system (LMS) deployment efforts" and the university's experience in replacing a different LMS.

This article from ProQuest discusses the process that was involved in developing Sakai and the importance of support from colleges' programmers and developers in the success of implementation.