For my comparison, I choose one of the platforms I was familiar with (Blackboard) and one I had never heard of (Joomla). From the list, I picked Joomla because I thought the name was funny. I will first analyze Blackboard and then Joomla.
BLACKBOARD:
Communication: Blackboard many different ways to communicate with users. Synchronous and asynchronous methods. There is a real time chat function as well as a whiteboard tool. Also, through the use of Wimba, users can hold real-time meetings that can be recorded and archived on the Blackboard class site. Using Blackboard Connect, users can be brought up to speed on any new happenings with the course and with the recent release of mobile apps, Blackboard can go anywhere.
Content: Content on Blackboard is very easily organized in a tool bar. There are different tabs listed that are for discussion boards, communication, syllabi, etc... The navigation of Blackboard is quite easy. Tabs stay visible on the side of the page for quick clicking between different sections of the course.
Ease of Use: Blackboard is quite simple to use. The ability to adjust the look and feel of the course page make it possible to completely personalize the user experience. It is simple to build a course using the developer tools included in the Blackboard suite.
Likes/Dislikes: I liked the fact the Blackboard is widely used by many universities and more and more high schools. This way, students are more and more familiar with the format so when they move on to different levels of their education, there will not be the need to re-learn a new LMS. I disliked some of the interface within the discussion forum. Also, I have had problems using Blackboard on different web browsers.
Usability: Blackboard advertises on their site that their LMS can be used for K-12, higher ed, corporate and government.
JOOMLA
Communication: Joomla offers live video conferencing as well as asynchronous communication between learners and facilitator. Through the Joomla Connect and community forums, users can connect in many different ways and styles.
Content: Joomla organizes content similarly to that of Moodle. Although it can be adjusted, it is usually by week. It can be modified by administrators for very high ease of use.
Ease of Use: Joomla has a very easy to use interface for administrators to develop course material. The adapted point and click tools make adjusting course material quite simple.
Likes/Dislikes: I think the worst thing Joomla has going for it is that it is relatively unknown. Unlike Blackboard or Moodle, Joomla's market share is low. This means that when users use this interface, they will most likely have to relearn the entire system. Most students using a LMS will have some familiarity with platforms such as Moodle or Blackboard. With Joomla, as well as many others, users will already be behind before they even begin. There was nothing about Joomla that was exceptionally likable. It is a fine platform, but I think the Blackboard is a better choice.
- Login to post comments