Management+Systems


 * [|OpenSolaris]Management Systems**

Creating a Virtual learning environment is easy First We have to understand all the teachers do not have enough technical knowledge to create the course from scratch. That does not mean an institution can hire somebody outside to create the courses. So one has to look at the authoring tools that teachers can use without fear. Yet they have to keep in mind about the way the handheld devices are used by the students. All these tools that I am going to come under management tool as well as classroom technology as they are simple, easy tools the teachers can start using to create their teaching content. Office 360 and google docs are official documents that the teachers are already familiar with. These tools have many plugins that will help them create interactive engaging learning content. And these tools are part of the VLE. So they are automatically are ready for mobile devices.

The other easy tools available are cariculate we video. These tools are already in the web that makes the already created content interactive. Zapton is another such tool tool. Thinklink is a easy tool that makes the images interactive. These tools are at best a beginners playground for technology. Teachers need to take the initiative to make it work for them and improve their learning environment. Using these simple tools will help them create virtual learning environment in their small classroom.

= Description =

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

The definition of LMS, according to Ryann K. Ellis in the book // Field Guide to Learning Management Systems, // is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of training programs, classroom and online events, e-learning programs, and training content. However, in the evolving world of technology, an LMS may also have characteristics of a LCMS and/or CMS.

According to Phillipio and Krongard (2012) "A Learning Mangement System is a great enabler of many current and future education initiatives such as personalized learning, learner-centered decision making, staff productivity, and curriculum development in support of Common Core Standards." It's all about empowering the learner both online and offline. Our technology that we use needs to be in support of curriculum development and learning. An LMS needs to be learner centered and learner focused. It is important when considering an LMS to be sure your organization defines what true learning is for their objectives/goals.

Phillipio J, Krongard S., (2012) Learning Management System (LMS): The Missing Link and Great Enabler

**Definitions** __LMS__ - a system which simplifies the process of administering education and training; by tracking course completion for all learners. [example - OLAT] __LCMS__ - a system which simplifies the task of creating, managing and reusing learning content such as media, pages, tests and lessons [example - ATutor] __CMS__ - a system which manages work flow for a collaborative environment [example - Moodle] = Purpose =

The purpose of an LMS is to provide a centralized tool that will reduce administrative burdens, save time and automate reporting. It can enroll students in courses and track fees and payments.

The purpose of an LCMS differs from that of an LMS in that it allows for both the organization **and creation** of learning objects and content.

The purpose of a CMS is to organize content so that it can be accessed by many.

= Features =

The features of an LMS are whatever the particular LMS dictates. Below is an example of some features that an LMS might offer.


 * Advanced user management with self-registration and enrollment options. || Group tools for chat or discussion forums. ||
 * Different levels for both administrator and front-end users. || Multiple instructors per course option ||
 * Flexible course management with ability to configure tools for each course. || Embed media, quizzes or import other packages into existing material. ||
 * Supports the latest eLearning standards. || Document library for uploading and publishing documents. ||
 * Reporting and tracking system for each student. || Quiz modules with advanced options complete with tracking. ||
 * Integrated live conferencing or use for later viewing. || Payment features for both changing pricing or payment options. ||
 * Certification feature to create diplomas for course completion. || Online help and video tutorials. ||
 * Student/Teacher toggles modes for 1:1 assistance. || Sell your course to others with course subscriptions. ||

= Strengths =

The strengths of an LMS are found in system's functionality to efficiently simplify the process of administering education and training. For example, with an LMS information is centralized, routine tasks such as creating training tracking reports is automated, and it provides the ability to track learning at all levels of the organization. An LMS is a robust system. Learning Management Systems, from the learner's viewpoint, can be easy to use because of streamlined links and tabs for pages or lessons. Rather than developing entire courses and adapting them to multiple audiences, an LCMS provides the ability for single course instances to be modified and republished for various audiences maintaining versions and history. The objects stored in the centralized repository can be made available to course developers and content experts throughout an organization for potential reuse and repurpose. This eliminates duplicate development efforts and allows for the rapid assembly of customized content.

The success of an LMS is largely dependent on the employee's willingness to learn. By it's very nature, learning is "self-paced", empowering the learner.

= Weaknesses =

A few of the weaknesses of an LMS are related to its strength. While these systems tend to be very robust, organizations are not fully utilizing all of the functionalities. These systems tend to be very technical or complex to implement, and costly. LMS implementation requires a well thought-out strategy to ensure that the selected system provides the required functionality. How do you track "social learning" within the LMS? Additionally, the programs become outdated. Also some students would need training before you could use certain programs. There is a limited grasp of student engagement and learner choice with an LMS

**Considerations**

When deciding if an LMS is right for your organization you need to take into consideration the following:

= =
 * Will this system easily integrate with other systems in your organization?
 * Has your organization properly identified all the technical and business requirements? It is too expensive to not consider all requirements!
 * How does your organization deal with change management? Change is a major component of an LMS.
 * Is your organization prepared to provide adequate training and support?
 * Is section 508 compliance an issue? Many institutions over look this and it is a requirement if you receive federal funding.
 * Is SCORM/21 CFR Part 11 compliant? Needed for regulated industries such as healthcare, medical device and pharmaceutical.

**Selecting a Learning Management System (LMS)**
==** Learning Solutions Magazine's //[|Selecting, Integrating, and Extending Learning Management Systems]// **== presents a comprehensive overview of the process of selecting an LMS. The article begins with a cautionary tale about an organization that failed to follow a step-by-step evaluation of its needs, resulting in an LMS that did not deliver as expected. To avoid this mistake the authors have including a nine-step "road map" on which to model the selection process. The article also includes an example of a Process Data map, intended to provide a graphic representation of the expected "training development, administration, and delivery processes" that the LMS will support. This map can be used as a presentation tool when recommending the system for purchase and implementation.

**Selecting a Learning Content Management System (LCMS)**
==** Part of the challenge when selecting an LCMS is balancing the features against the cost. Unless you're planning to build your own LCMS with open source, you'll be confronted with a varied menu of options and custom features when considering an industry-standard LCMS. As part of your needs analysis, focus on features your organization MUST have throughout the vetting process. For example, if one of your top three MUSTs is support for legacy Learning content, then focus on products that include this support as a core feature, not an option. Customizations and add-ons are typically expensive and may have an impact on your production environment. Once you find at least three vendors who can meet you MUST requirements, you can start selecting on the basis of your NEED items and the cost (including TCO). **==

= Leading Tools =

There are many choices available for LMS, LCMS, CMS. It is important to find the tool to fit the need. Some commercial management systems in education and industry are:

Angel Blackboard [|Cobent] [|GeoLearning] Learn.com Meridian [|NetLearning] Saba Schoology is a new and upcoming learning management system which has a much more social feel to management systems which not only offers courses but groups as well as a one stop solution for districts in today's 21st century. [|Skillsoft]provides comprehensive e-learning solutions through online courses, videos, simulations and books. EduToolsis an online website to help organizations and schools determine the best CMS for their needs. The resources can be compared or searched by feature. [|Desire 2 Learn]provides a user-centric, web-based learning management system (LMS) for the delivery of online teaching and learning. Moodle

= Open Source Options =

There are many Open Source options for LCMS & CMS. Learning Light, through the e-Learning Centre provides a list of reviews for open source LCMS & CMS.

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[|Moodle] is a popular Open Source option for CMS. It is showing up in K12 buildings and universities around the world. Origin of the name //Moodle// The word //Moodle// is actually an acronym for //Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment//, although originally the M stood for "Martin's", named after [|Martin Dougiamas], the original developer.[|__[13__]]

For more in-depth infomation on the Moodle system go to: [|Moodle background]

To indeed demonstrate Moodle's recent popularity go to: Moodle statistics


 * Sakai** is another open source CMS tool. Sakai was released in March, 2005. The [|Sakai Community map] provides a current view of organizations using Sakai. It was adopted for use in 2008 by the University of Delaware, replacing their WebCT (Blackboard) system.

**ATutor** is another open source LMS tool. It was designed to be adaptable and for accessibility. It also provides social networking capabilites.

[|OLAT]

[|Dokeos]

[|Drupal] [|Joomla!] [|OpenSolaris] [|Java] [|Claroline.net]

= Commercial Solutions =

Ultimate Software is a company that offers an integrated solution for HR, Talent Management, and Learning Management. The software, [|UltiPro] is more of an LMS. This software is currently used by the Milton Hershey School as their primary HR and payroll processing system.

The advantages to the system are it reduces data entry. Employees HR information is tracked throughout the system throughout their career. As changes in their status occur, the Learning paths are updated as well. The LMS supports training evaluations that can be created in the system


 * Cornerstone On Demand **

This is a commercial learning management system that can be incorporated with a suite which includes social networking software. Some of the key capabilities of this LMS are:
 * Immediate access to over 30,000 employee training learning titles from leading e-learning providers
 * Adherence to SCORM and IMS standards
 * Personalized and targeted training for employees and your extended enterprise
 * Automated workflow, assignment, and tracking capabilities

Here is the home page link []