Pearson Learning Studio vs. Joomla
By Melissa Hughes
SDSU 700 – Learning Management Systems (Saba)
Summer 2010
Communication Methods
Communication methods for Pearson Learning Studios (PLS) and Joomla are similar in nearly every aspect. Both learning management systems contain both asynchronous and synchronous components. Asynchronous features include discussion forums where students can opt to receive posts via email as daily digest. Additionally, students may receive their posts as subject lines or whole posts. Spell-checkers is available for both students and instructor. The one difference between PLS and Joomla is that students may subscribe to discussion posts as a RSS feed. Other asynchronous features provided by both LMS are internal email, and online journaling & notes.
Synchronous features include real-time, white board collaboration, and two-way voice chat. According to EduTools reviews, Joomla has limited simultaneous chat rooms, while PLS appears to have unlimited rooms. Both platforms allow instructors and group to archive chats. Pearson seems to have an advantage with synchronous capabilities by supporting mathematical symbols with their whiteboard, and desktop sharing.
Organizing Content
Both applications accept multiple files formats including documents, videos, audio files, and hyperlinks. Chat rooms discussions can be archived for access later. Modules may be arranged according to subject, hierarchy or date.
Design
Both PLS and Joomla have default and design options for learning management course creation. PLS indicates that there is a step-by-step wizard, which enables the instructor to design a homepage, syllabus, modules, and other sections as part of the course.
The two platforms are customizable to fit the client’s look and feel. This would include the freedom to upload headers, logos independently throughout the system. So different departments may have their own “look” and are not limited to a uniform design. Joomla may have instructors on their side by additionally allowing them to organize course tool and content into sequences that are reusable. These also may be organized by hierarchically by course lesson or topic.
Other Capabilities
Any other capabilities or differences between the two applications are minimal. The most significant difference appears to be some contrast in course delivery tools. Both systems employ a wide variety of test types including multiple choice, multiple answer, matching, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, survey questions, essay, and questions which can contain other media elements. However, Joomla has a few more options with test taking. These would be ordering, jumbled sentence, and calculated questions. Joomla also lets the student review past attempts at quizzes, while PLS does not. On the other hand, PLS supports a MathML editor for the inclusion of mathematical formulas in both questions and answers.
Likes / Dislikes
Considering my review was solely based upon peer reviews online, I cannot make a comprehensive judgment about what I liked or disliked about either platform. I could not find much more information on Pearson Learning Studio since their website requires interested parties to request a demo. Demonstrations were neither readily available to view either in video tutorial form or interactively. I have seen examples of Joomla used as a website application for both high schools and business use. From a design and navigational standpoint, I found Joomla to be easy to peruse and user friendly. I can see this platform incorporated similarly at the K-12 setting for individual classrooms to post content and information. For primary grades Joomla may only work at an informational tool for parents, provide resources to students, or display work. At the upper grades, teachers and students may take some advantage in creating modules for students to work on independently or in small groups.
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