Online LMS

Online learning management systems are a suite of software tools

that enable the management and facilitation of a range of learning

and teaching activities and services. In large-scale operations,

online learning management systems (or LMSs as they are

commonly known) can save costs and time. In conventional

educational settings, online-learning management systems can

help to improve the speed and effectiveness of the educational

processes, communication among learners, and also staff and

students. Use of LMSs in nontraditional educational settings (such

as in distance education contexts) allows organizations to

maximize their value by enabling flexible access to its resources

and services. A few of the widely known LMSs are: BlackboardTM,

WebCTTM, FirstClassTM, MoodleTM, and Lotus Learning SpaceTM

(http://www.studymentor.com/studymentor/).

Most online learning management systems also incorporate a

learning content management system (LCMS), which is a set of

software tools that enables the, storage, use and reuse of the

subject matter content.

Contemporary organizations recognize that the use of onlinelearning

management systems have the potential to significantly

improve their image and value, as well as access to their services.

Recent studies conducted by industry analyst Brandon Hall

suggest that there has been a steady rise in the use of LMS for

education and training over last few years (http://www.brandonhall.

com/). Chapter 4

Most LMSs will have the following features: course content

delivery capabilities; management of online class transactions;

tracking and reporting of learner progress; assessment of learning

outcomes; reporting of achievement and completion of learning

tasks; and student records management. It is likely that the next

generation of LMSs will have additional features such as better

collaborative learning tools and better integration with other

complementary systems, and with portable and wireless (mobilelearning)

devices. It is also suggested that the next generation of

LMSs is going to be increasingly browser-based and less reliant on

umpteen downloads or plug-ins on the user’s desktop. They will

have to be easier-to-use, more robust, scalable and more easily

customizable. With the growing interest in the sharing of study

materials, they are also likely to comply more with industry

standards and with complementary systems.

Adherence to emerging standards

With the proliferation of online learning in all sectors of education

and training, one of the most vital issues in the development of

LMSs is going to be compliance with uniform, industry-wide

standards for delivering and supporting learning and teaching

materials. Proprietary learning resources (commonly known as

“learning objects”) generally do not operate across different

platforms, making them difficult and expensive to use easily. To

enable learning objects to be reused and managed across various

learning management systems, the online-learning industry has

embarked on initiatives for the development of industry-wide

standards and specifications.

A widely known initiative in setting such industry-wide standards

for the sharing of digital learning resources is SCORM (Shareable

Content Object Reference Model. SCORM is a widely accepted

framework for defining learning objects that has been developed

by the United States Department of Defense to promote the use of

digital learning objects across different learning management

s y s t e m s ( s e e a l s o h t t p : / / s e a r c h w e b s e r v i c e s .

techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid26_gci796793,00.html).

As these standards continue to push for wider recognition and

adoption, developers of LMS and LCMS, and learning resources

44

who comply with their specifications are going to strengthen user

confidence. See chapter 5 in this guide on “digital learning objects”

and their implications for emerging LMSs.