A Learning Platform is a relatively nascent commercial and pedagogical development. It is defined by an alphabet soup of acronyms that often overlap and are used interchangeably by some within the field. CMS can refer to Content or Course Management while CLE, Collaborative Learning Environment, may also refer to Learning Management System (LMS), CMS or collectively e-learning. Clearly, there exists a need for standardization of the terms and systems that define Learning Management or Platforms.
Although available in varying forms and functions, and thus the multitude of acronyms, the term Learning Management System generally refers “a software application that automates the administration, tracking, and reporting of training events" (Ellis, 2009) and focuses on various educational, administrative, and deployment requirements. However, that definition expands to include training programs, classroom and online events, e-learning programs, and training content (Learning management system, 2008).
Most LMSs are web-based and therefore ubiquitous which lends to their appeal and functionality. In addition to LMS’s ubiquitous learning, content, and management access, most LMSs provide broad functions that complement its primary function. Some additional dimensions include collaborative learning, on-line learning and assessment, and management of continuous professional education.
LMSs use a variety of development platforms including Java EE, and Microsoft.Net, and a developed database. Most systems are developed for profit and restrict access to their program, however some are free and allow access, open-source, to some models.
However, LMS or electronic, e-learning, is a commercial enterprise experiencing unprecedented growth (Nagel, 2010).
In North America, educational institutions are driving the growth for e-learning which accounts for about 43% of all purchases (Nagel, 2010). Visit one e-learning vendor, The eLearning Guild, and there are 1311 tools, technologies, products, and services from which to choose.
The growth in the demand for e-learning platforms, coupled with the variety of forms and functions offered, beg for clarity and uniformity in definition and use of terms referring to LMS. The use of LMSs and particularly their ability to morph into the specified needs of an organization will grow, therefore having users and designers speaking a common language can only facilitate the spread, understanding and use of LMSs.
References
Ellis, R. K. (2009). Guide to learning management systems. Available from http://www.astd.org/NR/rdonlyres/12ECDB99-3B91-403E-9B15-7E597444645D/23395/LMS_fieldguide_20091.pdf
Learning Management System (2008, July). In Wikipedia online encyclopedia. Retrieved September 02, 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_management_system
Nagel, D. (2010, March 3). The future of elearning is more growth. Campus Technology. Retrieved on September 02, 2010 from http://campustechnology.com/Articles/2010/03/03/The-Future-of-E-Learning-Is-More-Growth.aspx?Page=1
Irene,
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting and confusing at the same time the various acronyms that are associated with distance learning. This seems such an all encompassing term and can cover DLE, VLE, CMS, LMS, etc. yet settling on one overarching term may cause issues. You have companies that try to find ways for their product to stand out and they often coin a new term to represent what they have to offer. You are right when you stated their needs to be a standardization though.
It has also been interesting to me to see the various types of learning environments that evolved based on user requests with companies. We now have virtual learning environments or LMS products that are geared towards different age levels. For a teacher this is nice because you can make your VLE more user friendly for elementary or secondary based on how and what you teach. The problem arises when a student uses one system for 5 years and then jumps to a new system that functions differently and is not given the time to acclimate to the new system. Have uniformity in products would be nice, but would negatively impact the competition around this fantastic way of teaching and learning.
Kelli Erwin
The new age of learning ushered in these technologies like LMS and e learning authoring tools. I predict that the demand would move to cloud based tools rather than conventional software you have to install.
ReplyDeleteE-learning is becoming more wide spread due to the shrinking of this planet through social networks and the new digital environment. this interesting source of learning can only become more complex with the development of several computer applications and management systems. The new age is overwhelmingly engaging and highly informative for all us to ensure and learn...I'm looking forward to the next ten years.
ReplyDelete