E.Learning and Learning Management Systems (LMS)

There are two main categories of LMS, "proprietary" and "open" source. Proprietary LMS are expensive and not very flexible, but have sound documentation and backup support. CQ University's former student access point "BlackBoard" is an example of a proprietary LMS. An example of an "open" LMS is CQ University's new "Moodle". Open LMS are much cheaper and more flexible. There are more plug-ins to suit the many functions needed. However, open LMS do not come with sound documentation, or any backup support (CQ University, 2001, 2010.)

CQ University's "Moodle"

I think Learning Management Systems (LMS) to be highly valuable in students learning in terms of education facilities and teachers providing students with large quantities of information and resources on relevant topics, and communication forums to provide student interaction, feedback and guidance. LMS also provide links to direct students to do their own research and learning. They are also particularly useful for external learning, i.e. off campus students attending University (CQ University, 2010.) LMS aims to help learners work smarter rather than faster by having learners focus on processes and content, which links to the aims of the Big Six pedagogy, particularly in terms of; Task Definition, Information Seeking Strategies, Location and Access, and Use of information (Berkowitz, et al, 2001, 2010.)

Two downfalls to the use of LMS would be firstly for those students that need or prefer teacher-student face-to-face interaction. As long as there was effective use of video-conferencing and teleconferencing this could overcome this negative aspect. Secondly, LMS assumes that everyone is computer literate and therefore technologically savvy. This is not always the case, and it might prove difficult for some users (learners) if they do not receive the right tutoring on how to use it, and its various components.

References:

Berkowitz. B., Eisenberg. M., & Johnson. D. (2001). The Big 6 - Information & Technology Skills for Student Achievement: Skills Overview. Accessed July 22, 2010 from http://www.big6.com/2001/11/19/a-big6™-skills-overview/

Berkowitz. B., Eisenberg. M., & Johnson. D. (2010). Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Skills Curriculum Based on the Big6 Skills Approach to Information Problem-Solving. Accessed July 22, 2010 from http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/file.php/4033/LMC_Big6-ICT_Curriculum_LMC_MayJune2010.pdf

CQ University (2010). FAHE11001 - Managing E-Learning: Digital Tool 7 - Learning Management Systems (LMS). Accessed August 8, 2010 from http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=99697