LMS #1 Desire2Learn: Innovative Learning Technology
Communication Methods
Desire2Learn (D2L) provides both asynchronous and synchronous communication tools with customization options to fit the needs of the institution utilizing them. It offers live virtual classrooms with two way chat capabilities, application sharing with an interactive whiteboard, videos, file transfers, and breakout rooms. A compelling feature is the Live Chat function that enables real time synchronous communication, a key support tool for learners of all types. There is also funcations for setting up blogs and discussion forums for reflecting and inter-student dialogue. Instant messaging is available, and is describe as a tool for faster problem solving than via email. This function seems to be a tool for connecting students on a more personal level despite the possibility of being miles apart.
Organize the content
Using the “Course Builder Canvas”, it appears that building a lesson or unit is quite simple. Plug in exercises, reading materials, or other resources in the order you wish them to be complete. Options are right on the side tool bar for easy addition or subtraction of assignments. Links for forums, websites, and others are right at the touch of a button. The layout seems simple to follow and navigate. Import options also allow the administrator to bring in SCORM, IMS, or other resources, giving even more options to the professional users of the system.
Interface Design
The D2L interface is built with a drag-and-drop interface allowing for individual customization of layout and navigability. This is ideal for the regular professor who may not be a design or HTML whiz, or the support of an instructional designer. They can play around with different layout features and options and try them out until they decide what works best, all with the click and drag ease of modern web 2.0. Also, the “Instructional Design Wizard” is a tutorial for the novice LMS builder and will walk a new user through the variety of set up features and tools.
Platform Capabilities
User Progress tools can track everything from attendance to scores, and report them to the instructor and student. “Classlist” features allow for group chats, emails, or messages - a major time savor from an administrator’s perspective. As for assessment features - it offers unique and custom quiz building tools that align with your course objectives, along with real time reporting or results. Adminstrators can build surveys, and it also has the dropbox function for uploading larger files to the course server. The Gradebook uses a spreadsheet format that can be exported directly to Excel for simple reporting.
Administrator’s Likes and Dislikes
I like that this LMS resembles others that I have used in the past, such as Blackboard and Adobe Connect. Training and learning on it would not take much time, and time and cost are normally a major factor in deciding to purchase and integrate new products, that is very impactful. Also, that offers many customizable features via a drag-and-drop interface is extremely appealing for someone with minimal design capabilities, or even limited time for building a site. Set up us relatively quick, and changes can be made as needed without costly time delays.
Learner’s Likes and Dislikes
I like that the communication tools are extremely varied, allowing for students to choose the method they feel the most comfortable with. I am unable to point out any dislikes just from the reading and screenshots, but I can’t imagine what there would be to dislike. There’s a ton of options, and the usability seems fairly easy- a win for everyone.
Platform Users
D2L could be utilized for any level of education due to the fact it offers so many different options and customizable features. There isn’t a single feature that I didn’t see that I have used in the past with other platforms, and it contained the tools I think are most crucial. This can be used with middle school students or corporate trainers as an all-inclusive platform to provide a host of learning and instructing needs.
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LMS # 2 - Sakai CLE: Collaboration and Learning Environment
Communication Methods
Sakai offers an array of what they call “Contrib Tools” that are plug-ins with varying capabilities. Blogging, live chat, group forums, wikis, and private messaging are all popular features that support extensive and streamlined collaboration. The profile feature is designed to resemble popular social networking platforms to encourage users to utilize the tool and connect with each other. The “BigBlueButton” feature provides video sharing abilities for multiple users, as well as VoIP functions and live chatting for anyone with a microphone. Screen sharing is available for all users.
Content Organization
There does not appear to b as much customization with this platform as with D2L. The set up and organization appears to look like a standard website - the main page’s content in the middle, with a tool bar on the side for the different page links: discussions, assignments, schedules, chat room, etc. It doesn’t have the look of a standard LMS.
Interface Design
The design appears simple but archaic, not like the more modern design of the D2L. It doesn’t ‘feel’ like a school learning platform. There’s not much to glean in terms of usability, but my guess would be that learning the ins and outs of the platform would not be too difficult since the design resembles a normal website. Administrator capabilities are not fully disclosed either, but since there doesn’t seem to be much in way of set up options, learning the back end functions shouldn’t be too difficult even for first time LMS user.
Platform Capabilities
Most of the LMS general platform features that Sakai offers carry over to the Research Collaboration and Project Collaboration features: collaborative tools such as wikis, blogs, and live chat. Assignments can be posted in a variety of layouts or orders, and links can be added to provide supplemental resources. The E-Portfolio addition is a extremely unique and very useful tool that is a highlight of the overall product. Students can easily add any best-work sample completed on a course site to their own portfolio page with ease. It allows for easy transfer, custom layouts, and peer viewing for collaborative feedback, as well as being publishable to an outside entity such as potential job.
Administrator’s Likes and Dislikes
The platform comes primarily set up and ready to go as is, so not much time is needed to do custom changes. The feel is like a standard web page, so for a novice LMS user, learning the ins and outs on the back end shouldn’t be too difficult. Sakai also offers a host of support tools from tutorials to community blogs and full training provide upon purchase.
Learner’s Likes and Dislikes
From a younger student’s perspective, I don’t like it. The layout and usability seem archaic to me, like an early generation website or program. The E-Portfolio option was the only feature that really stuck out to me, but it is not enough to sway me to buy it over D2L.
Platform Users
Compared to D2L, this platform seems more geared to companies than educational institutions. It just doesn’t seem to be aimed at a younger, typical student user.
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