Commentary on:
Saba, F. (2008). Learning Management Systems of the Future: A Theoretical Framework and Design. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching. 4:2, p. 158-168.
I had never had experience with any sort of electronic learning management systems before 2008. Since that time (and as a result of the COMET program here at SDSU), I have become well aware of the value of such ways of learning.
Until taking this course, considering creating my own LMS had not crossed my mind. I had committed to being solely a classroom teacher delivering content to students live and in person. This course has forced me to consider the delivery of content over an online medium.
I enjoyed reading Dr. Saba's futuristic version of what a LMS or as he put it, EMS (educational management system) can be. The EMS I would design would not much different. Dr. Saba was quite thorough in his analysis of idealized university level distance learning.
I agree with Dr. Saba's analysis that traditional educational settings tend to limit access to all individuals and educational innovation are somewhat archaic. With such rigid structures in place, such as the traditional calendar, universities are stymied in their ability to custom tailor education for their diverse student populations. Likewise, universities are slow to develop and revolutionize programs of study to keep up with 21st century demands of the workplace.
The ideal EMS should allow for personalizing learning in a dynamic environment. This way, students and instructors can vary the content for each of the learners. This would allow each student to adjust their program in real time. I agree that in many cases the current “one-size-fits-all” system is broken and tends to lock students into courses that are not time efficient and a waste of money. In a dynamic, personalized educational system, learners would not feel as though a course has wasted time or money.
From a purely educational standpoint I believe that Dr. Saba nailed what the perfect EMS would look like. And although I think it could work in some small institutions, I do not see it taking over the higher education system currently in place. For me, the social atmosphere at universities is nearly as important as the education. Here is where, for the first time, students have to survive on their own away from the watchful eyes of their parents and other authority figures. Having to juggle various events with school allows young adults to gain a sense of responsibility. This would be lost in a strictly online format. Also, what would happen to college sports. There are hundreds of thousands of collegiate athletes competing every year. In an online university format, these would be lost.
Overall, I truly believe there is a place for EMS in higher education, but I believe that huge sweeping changes must take place for this to be a reality. I think that on a smaller scale EMS would be much more successful. They could compliment already existing traditional programs of study.
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