The two LMS’s I decided to review were Blackboard and OLAT. I chose Blackboard mainly because it was one that I was familiar with. I thought it would be interesting to review a platform that I have used several times. As for OLAT, before this course I had never heard of it (among others) so I thought it would be equally interesting to take a closer look at a platform I have never seen before.
Blackboard
Communication Methods Available:
Blackboard has a variety of ways users can communicate. There are discussion forums that can be set up by both instructors and students. The instructor can monitor the forums by screening posts and seeing statistical summaries which can be helpful for grading. Students also have the capability of creating discussion groups if the instructor sets the course up to allow it. Blackboard has a built-in email function that allows users to search an address book making it possible to email other students and the instructor. This platform also allows for file exchange where students can upload files into a drop box when turning in assignments. Chat rooms can be created and archived. Lastly, Blackboard contains an interactive whiteboard that supports among other things image and PowerPoint sharing and web browsing.
How is Content Organized?:
Content can be organized utilizing templates provided by the software. There are design wizards that allow instructors to follow steps to set up things such as a syllabus, content modules, and so on. Instructors can make changes to templates to personalize. Courses can be used as templates for future courses as well.
Interface Design:
Blackboard’s interface design is relatively simple and easy to use. As a user on the learner end of things, it has been an easy platform to use when it came to locating discussion forums and course materials.
Capabilities:
Instructors can add students directly to a course or allow for open enrollment. Blackboard could be used a simply a communication platform, utilizing just the discussion forums, email, and chat tools. Instructors can create a variety of tests/quizzes, allow for re-dos, set time limits and also allow for feedback on answers. There is an online gradebook as well.
Likes/Dislikes:
Overall I really like Blackboard. I think the one of the reasons it is used by so many institutions is because of its usability. From an administrator’s view point, it allows for a good deal of course management and also flexibility. From a user’s perspective, I have found it really easy to use. I think that most groups (K12, government, corporations, and higher education) could benefit from using this platform in some way.
OLAT
Communication Methods Available:
OLAT contains discussion forums, file sharing, contact forms and instant messaging. Students can subscribe to RSS feeds for discussion forums.
How is Content Organized:
This platform allows for instructors to create their own course layout using CSS and also to design their courses using OLAT course elements.
Interface Design:
From what I was able to see, the interface design looks somewhat similar to that of Blackboard. It appears to be laid out efficiently which would make it easy to use and on the simple side.
Capabilities:
OLAT allows for an unlimited number of accounts with users being able to create their own accounts with or without an administrator’s approval. Different roles may be assigned. For course content, Wiki’s, drop boxes, tests, questionnaires and folders for downloading materials are available.
Likes/Dislikes:
One thing I liked right away was that it is free. I’m not sure the cost, if any, for other platforms, but it’s nice to see something that is free. However, sometimes free doesn’t always mean better! As the website describes, OLAT was primarily designed for higher education, but could be utilized by other institutions. I personally think that as long as the platform is decently flexible, any agency could utilize it for educational purposes.
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