ATutor
ATutor is an open source web-based LMS in which both educators and students can access. It has robust features, even allows for custom themes to give the LMS a personalized look. Since it is open source, it is quite affordable in that you are allowed unlimited downloads. However, support requires the purchase of tickets.
Communication Tools
ATutor is both synchronous and asynchronous. There is a discussion forum and real-time chat. There is unlimited simultaneous group discussions, and the system can create logs for the chat rooms. Discussions can be shared all aspects. There is a email tool that makes communication easy. It also now supports IMS BasicLTI. There is also instant messaging capabilities.
Content Organization and Platform Interface
Instructors can organize content easily. Students can download the class content. Also, the interface design is simple--users are able to customize themes. ATutor is both intuitive for both learner and administrator.
Content Development and Course Delivery Tools
Instructors can customize activities for the learners. There are varied test types, such as multiple choice or short answer. Questions can contain various media types. There is automated scoring and LaTex formatting can be used for math equations. ATutor has some data analysis capabilities as well. Also, there are course templates available.
Student Interface Tools
Students can use dropboxes and share content with other students. Also, administrators can limit disk space usage. Students can make journal (notes) entries online. Students are also able to schedule their own chats on the group calendar.
Personal Perception
I liked the ATutor LMS. I would use it with my 9th-12th graders, but just my advanced sections. For those students that did have internet access from home, it would be great. However, as a teacher in a high poverty area, only a handful of my students do have access to internet. It would be affordable to my district. However, we are a staff that is resistant to technology advances.
Desire2Learn
The LMS from this companies has three main designs: 1) K-12 learning, 2) Higher Education Learning 3) Corporate Level. This comparison is for the K-12 LMS. Desire2Learn. It is also robust and easy to use.
Communication Tools
The Desire2Learn LMS is both asynchronous and synchronous. It has a discussion forum with many features. Students are able to email and use instant messaging for correspondence. The LMS supports real-time chat. There is a whiteboard capability, in which participants can manage discussions.
Content Organization and Platform Interface
Instructors can organize content easily. The platform is easy to use. Learners can download content from the course. There is template-based course creations. There is a special version for K-12.
Content Development and Course Delivery Tools
The LMS has a good automated test management and grading tool. Instructors can personalize access to individuals. Instructors can track students. Also, instructors can limit if the student can progress to the next stage. There is a forced completion option.
Student Interface Tools
Students are able to use dropboxes to submit assignments. Also, students can create their own discussion groups. They are also able to use journal/notes feature. And, they can download material to their mobile devices.
Personal Perceptions
The interface is easy to use. The LMS provides good technical support. It also updates itself and is constantly evolving. I would use this LMS with my high school students. I think that it has enough features to make the class dynamic. Since my staff is technically challenged, I think the technical support and resources will be necessary.
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