Mechelle Reynolds
Top Ten Characteristics -
1. LMS should have Object Oriented Environments cuts down on the visual demands of the learner. This allows them to be fore efficient in navigating the learning environment. This can also lend to a more uniform delivery across many platforms or many lessons. Consistency will aid the learner with gaining skills necessary for the project at hand without having to sift out multiple auxiliary resources.
2. LMS should have Rich Media Support – I realize that Moodle did not offer this for every section I used. Also, I was unclear about embedding a YouTube video. I did not see an option for this. But with other systems, I have been able to easily drag thing in, creating a rich, vibrant learning environment that motivates and stimulates the learner.
3. LMS should have a Supportive Database is necessary to track changes in the learners. This feedback not only helps to guide better instruction, but it allows users, meaning teachers and administrators to see via a timeline or at intervals what progresses are being made in a variety of areas. Having this data at your fingertips, and realizing the ability to view the present later in the future is powerful for planning and adjusting to the climate of the learners.
4. LMS should have designers of different backgrounds. It is important to have a lead, but these instructors need back up resources like SMEs, graphic artists, and organizers of multimedia tools. The LMS needs to have multi-user, multi-leveled, multi-security features to allow many users to collaborate within one LMS. The ability to regulate and manage the infrastructure is important to allow a community of designers to work together.
5. LMS should be cost effective. According to the article the LMS purchase packages come with a variety of variables and capabilities. This makes comparison difficult and purchase of one product may mean you lose ability for certain features. I believe we will start to see a clear distinction between packages of high end usage and medium usage capabilities necessary for, perhaps, smaller institutions. In addition, when discussing cost effectiveness I have to mention the paradigm of cost. What is the cost of the old system – minus the cost of the new? When I think of the current (old) system, I can’t help but think about all that we are NOT doing for our students. This to me is the cost.
6. LMS should have scalability. Being able to expand according to the needs of the users and instructors is important for the future of the product. Customers want to make sure their product will be capable of handling interface and capabilities of the future deliverables and products.
7. LMS should have longevity. It should be able to accommodate future upgrades of interface and capability to accommodate the skills and needs of future instructional design platforms. Also, it should have lasting usability. Designers don’t want to relearn products because their capabilities have become obsolete.
8. LMS should be extremely comprehensive. It should accommodate large amounts of data and operation platforms. It should contain abilities for corporate structures and designs as well as educational communication systems and functions for administration, instruction, and the learner. The ability to cross platform many systems with easy navigation and without errors of accessibility and size limitations are necessary to have a continual and reliable product.
9. The LMS should have instructional support. Providing support is the key to keeping users. I can use my insurance company as an example. I had 24/7 access to a person via the phone, but I have recently switched and can never get anyone with my new carrier. I hate it. It tells me that they are not there for my needs and I am ready to switch back. Something as big as an LMS cannot afford to have dissatisfied users. Projects and courses are important and timely. Support needs to happen immediately. And with the quick and easy information available online, users will begin to discuss problems and or support issues which can make or break a product.
10. The LMS should have secure and reliable access – If the management systems are open for general public use, many safeguards need to be in place to ensure personal information is not accessible. Money management issues and payment authorizations create a high security risk for users, and the development of the LMS should ensure that the product provides a secure hack free system that will not be allow for improper use and navigability from those able to access it.
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