Learning Managment System (LMS)

Blackboard is quite a good example of a Proprietary Learning Management System (LMS), whereas Moodle is a good example of an Open Source LMS.

Here are some facts about Open Source LMS (Software Package):

• Requires a set of Applications (Platform running Linux, Apache, MySQL PHP).
• IT Support staff needs experience administering and maintaining this system.
• GPL Licensing provides opportunities for localised integration of the LMS with other systems (Basically means a time saving method for Admin Staff).

Here are some benefits of Open Source LMS:

• Moodle as an example has a significant User base: over 46500 registered websites; just under 36.5 million users.
• Development undertaken by globally diffused network.
• Users can develop additional functionality.
• Low cost and no licence fee.
• Open standards that facilitates integrations with other systems.
• Easily modified

Here are some downsides to Open Source LMS:

• Problem resolving procedures.
• Lack of professional support.
• Evolving developer communities.
• Lack of release co-ordination.
• Erratic Updates.

Here are some facts on Proprietary LMS (Blackboard):

• No access to source code (Click View, then Source for an example of a 'Source'). Its the code originally written by the programmer and without access to it you cannot change the way the software is developed.
• User pays for licence to use a copy.
• User does not 'own' the program.
• Cost of support is usually included.
• Costs are high.

Advantages:

• Reliable, professional support and training available.
• Packaged, comprehensive and modular formats.
• regularly and easily updated.

Disadvantages:

• Costly.
• Has closed standards that hinder further development.

Both of these have great assets that can be used to facilitate learning within and outside of the learning environment to hopefully all students. Various digital technologies are able to be uploaded onto these various technologies. We now live in a digital era where kids today have a better understanding of the technologies out there than people who were born decades ago. Technology will soon become mainstream in our schools and as it is today it will continue to evolve. Some technologies may not be suited for use in facilitating learning due to costs, maintanence or other reasons. Which LMS I would use cannot be determined as I have not purchased either and tried them out. Just by the information above I would probably choose Proprietary LMS as it is reliable, regularly updated and has all the support someone who is not very technologically inclined could desire.

Sources (URL Only):

http://www.articlebase.com/training-articles/deciding-between-open-source-and-proprietary-software-325594.html

http://www.slideshare.net/DanitIsaacs/open-source-versus-proprietary-l-m-s