LMS Comparison

Desire2Learn

Communication Methods
The main learning platforms consist of both asynchronous and synchronous communication components. Asynchronous components include e-mail, calendar, forum discussions, and blogs. Synchronous components include real-time virtual classrooms with two-way voice, multipoint video, interactive whiteboard, application sharing, file transfer, breakout rooms, and instant chat.
Content Organization & Interface Design
Content is customizable based on the needs of the teacher/student. Teachers can design their own course pages easily without having to focus too much on technical skills. An example interface from the website included a left hand side bar with links to different pages, while the rest of the page included content for the page selected. The program also housed a course introduction page that included a calendar and updates for the course.

Platform Capabilities
Desire2Learn boasts five key platforms including the following:
1. Learning Environment-LMS used for online, blended, or hybrid learning programs
2. ePortfolio-Social learning platform built around the learner where they can document, reflect on and share learning experience
3. Learning Repository-Allows for the development and sharing of reusable learning objects
4. Mobile-Extends learning and media to mobile devices
5. Analytics-Provides reports and models to impact retention, outcomes, and personalization of learning

Administrator Perspective Likes/Dislikes
Administrators would like the comprehensive nature of the product. Desire2Learn provides platforms for all levels of the organization, including administrators, teachers, and learners. I think administrators would find the Analytics platform valuable for tracking that would allow for the continuous improvement of their programs. They would use the Learning Repository to save time and resources during the training of new staff. In addition, the program offers training and technical support for its users. Administrators may dislike the cost associated with each platform.

Learner Perspective Likes/Dislikes
Learners would like the clean and easy interface during online courses or interactive courses. In addition, the Mobile platform could be used to better engage students as technology use increases.

How would you use this platform or who else could use it
I like the clean look of the interphase and the ability to customize content. As a teacher, I would use the Learning Environment and Mobile platforms to engage students in core curriculum and collaborative learning experiences. I may also use the Learning Repository for training or sharing resources with other teachers. Desire2Learn already markets its product to other markets including K-12, Higher Education, Government, Healthcare, and Corporate industries.

Sakai
Communication Methods
The main learning platforms consist of both asynchronous and synchronous communication components. Asynchronous components include e-mail, calendar, forum discussions, and blogs; while the synchronous components are limited to chat and collaborative wikis.

Content Organization & Interface Design
Content is customizable based on the needs of the teacher/student. Teachers can design their own course pages easily without having to focus too much on technical skills. There seem to be more options available to the user with the Sakai tools than those available with Desire2Learn. The interphase design will vary depending on the needs of the particular course instructor/learners. This allows for there to be variety in the interphase design for all users.

Platform Capabilities
Sakai offers two key platforms including the following:
1. Sakai CLE- The Collaboration and Learning Environment platform allows teachers to contribute ideas for and customize their LMS with a variety of tools. These tools include: announcements, assignments, blogs, calendar, chat, discussion forum, drop box, e-mail archive, glossary, grade book, news, profiles, resources, site roster, site stats, syllabus, tests and quizzes, web page, and wiki. This platform also provides the capability for students to create portfolios and administrators to provide feedback to these portfolios.
2. Sakai OAE-The Open Academic Environment platform allows for the sharing of tools and resources outside of the LMS. This platform boasts that it is permeable, re-mixable, social, and personal to the user.

Administrator Perspective Likes/Dislikes
Administrators may like the flexible and customizable features of both products; however, Sakai does not provide the comprehensive tools that Desire2Learn offers. Although there are some ways to track stats, this element seems limited at best compared to the competition.

Learner Perspective Likes/Dislikes
Learners would like the clean and easy interface during online courses or interactive courses. In addition, the Mobile platform could be used to better engage students as technology use increases.

How would you use this platform or who else could use it
As a teacher, I would use the CLE to create customized courses for students. I would also use the OAE to provide a more collaborative experience for students and to share resources with other educators in the field.