JoomlaLMS Platform
The JoomlaLMS has many features which can be useful for a Learning Management System. It appears the JoomlaLMS is more for the business world and focused on the idea of building Learning Paths for students. The students work on their own to go through these “Learning Paths” to gain information and when they meet expectations they are allowed to progress forward.
Communication
Joomla has both asynchronous and synchronous modes of communication. It boasts a video and chat feature for synchronous communication which also includes an interactive whiteboard function. The synchronous lessons can be recorded and posted for review. To coincide with the synchronous features JoomlaLMS features an in house e-mail system, a file exchange system and the use of Web 2.0 features (which I am assuming would include Wikis and Blogs, however it was not specifically stated on the website).
Organization
The organization of Joomla is organized into sections such as the course home, announcements, learning paths, and documents. The goal is to create a self-contained course using SCORM packages and modules for students to work through on their own.
Interface
The interface is plain and simple to use. It is not cluttered with many different choices or graphics which makes it easy to navigate. I would say it is easy on both ends, administrative and user because it is web-based in functionality.
Capabilities
Students are able to self-enroll in courses or they are assigned courses to take. The platform seems to be focused on self-paced learning through SCORM packages. However it did not state on their website if there were tools to create the “Learning Paths” within JoomlaLMS. The courses can also be fee managed, meaning you can charge a fee for each particular course and collect money through the JoomlaLMS system. This would be a great perk for those wanting to charge for their product.
Likes and Dislikes
I did not necessarily like the interface of JoomlaLMS because it lacked a lot of design and look features to make it unique. Students I think would be turned off by this lack of personalization. From a training stand point I think this platform is best for the private sector of business where you want to train large groups of people over a large geographical area.
Saba LMS
The Saba LMS is definitely focused on the business world with more than 51% of the Fortune 100 companies using it to train employees and determine the flow of work from departments and particular employees.
Communication
The Saba LMS offers all possibilities of communication with synchronous, asynchronous and blended model of learning. It stores all of the resources in a central location for others to change and modify as you need to make changes based upon information collected. The Saba Live features search tools, a web page creation tool like that of a wiki, a blog, collaborative group work, live conferences and pre-recorded conferencing tools.
Organization
There are automation features to send out materials to learners. Everything can be modified to meet the needs of the instructor to deliver the materials and information.
Interface
The interface seems organized and rather easy to navigate. It is broken into a tab structure and blocked sections for finding information.
Capabilities
The Saba LMS is built for the business world with the ability to create certification tests, learning programs with SCORM, content authoring, collaboration in groups. Along with this learners can be enrolled on demand or self-enrolled.
Likes and Dislikes
I really like the interface of this program because of its clean cut look; however I do not think there is as much ability to modify the tabs for sections for this platform. It is very much for the business world and not for the K-12 world. With the conferencing features I think it would meet the demands of every possible scenario for a small or large corporation.
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