Envisioning the Post-LMS Era

For those of us who teach online, we are familiar with at least a learning management system, which could be Blackboard, Desire2Learn, Moodle, or maybe something else. No matter which system you are using, are you pleased with the learning management system? What are some of the limitations you hope to change?

In the article, Envisioning the Post-LMS Era: the Open Learning Network, Jonathan Mott discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the learning management system and the personal learning network. He also shared his vision of a balance between the learning management system and the personal learning network.

According to Mott, The learning management system is strong in simplicity, consistency, structure, and integration with student information system as well as its cost-effectiveness in training and support. However, it is also time-bound, instructor-centered and negating the potential of the network effect. The personal learning environment is strong in customization of a variety of tools, low cost and no time boundaries as well as being student-centered and open to interaction, sharing and connection. The drawbacks of personal learning environment include its potential security and data exposure problems as well as the lack of centrally-managed student rosters and its potential difficulty in providing training and support for multiple tools and their integration with each other.

This is a very interesting article showing some possibilities for a better learning management system in the near future. You can read the full article from here.