scholarly journals Enhancing Learning Management Systems (LMS) with the use of Web Technologies

Author(s):  
Marigianna Skouradaki ◽  
Michail Kalogiannakis ◽  
Dimitrios Plexousakis
Author(s):  
Mohamed E. Edrees

Web technologies evolved from Web 1.0 in early 1990s to Web 3.0 nowadays. Alongside Web technologies, eLearning has been evolving from eLearning 1.0 to eLearning 3.0, which integrates the Web X.0 technologies and tools into educational and institutional practice resulting in eLearning X.0. Universities and schools are investing substantial amounts of time and money in implementing Learning Management Systems (LMS). If not designed with eLearning X.0 support in mind, the LMS can pose difficulty for instructors and students to benefit from these technologies through LMS directly. The aim of this study is to evaluate the readiness of learning management systems to support eLearning X.0. This research reviewed the literature for the most common Web X.0 tools or features used in the eLearning process. Then an evaluation model was developed and applied on two respective learning management systems: BlackBoard and MOODLE. The results of readiness evaluation shows that MOODLE is more ready for eLearning X.0 than BlackBoard. The findings of this study provide several important implications for learning management system research and management.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Mohamed E. Edrees

Web technologies evolved from Web 1.0 in early 1990s to Web 3.0 nowadays. Alongside Web technologies, eLearning has been evolving from eLearning 1.0 to eLearning 3.0, which integrates the Web X.0 technologies and tools into educational and institutional practice resulting in eLearning X.0. Universities and schools are investing substantial amounts of time and money in implementing Learning Management Systems (LMS). If not designed with eLearning X.0 support in mind, the LMS can pose difficulty for instructors and students to benefit from these technologies through LMS directly. The aim of this study is to evaluate the readiness of learning management systems to support eLearning X.0. This research reviewed the literature for the most common Web X.0 tools or features used in the eLearning process. Then an evaluation model was developed and applied on two respective learning management systems: BlackBoard and MOODLE. The results of readiness evaluation shows that MOODLE is more ready for eLearning X.0 than BlackBoard. The findings of this study provide several important implications for learning management system research and management.


2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kresimir Fertalj ◽  
Natasa Bozic-Hoic ◽  
Hrvoje Jerkovic

The systems aimed for manipulating large number of courses and students are called Learning Management Systems (LMS). A LMS can have excellent performance implemented through advanced Web technologies but it is often accompanied by a poor or rarely used repository of institution?s educational content. It has still remained. Still remains a problem how to allow users of a LMS to easily modify and integrate the content from federated e-learning repositories into their courses. This article presents an analysis of present repository frameworks and projects. FEDORA (Flexible Extensible Digital Repository Object Architecture) framework is explained as an alternative repository solution. A pilot application has been developed to demonstrate the interaction between a LMS and its repository.


10.31355/42 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 065-077
Author(s):  
Agyei Fosu

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose...................................................................................................................................................................................................... The purpose of this study is to expand the knowledge base on factors likely to impede implementation and adoption of web-based learning management systems to blend with traditional methods of lecturing in universities to cater for the next generation of learners in Africa and Eastern Cape Province South Africa in particular. Background........................................................................................................................................................................................................ The shift from the industrial economies to 21st century digital and knowledge-based economies, fueled by rapid Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) such as Internet, YouTube, Chartrooms, Skype, Social media networks and its introduction to the educational system not only resulted in a new teaching approach globally but also paved way to usher in new generation of learners (anytime, anywhere learners) in the higher education system. Despite the fact that universities and other institutions of higher education in developed countries and some Africa countries have since recognized that the 21st century global digital and knowledge-based economies evolution has ushered in the next generation of learners, and as a result have taken the necessary steps to blend the traditional method of lecturing in higher education with web-based learning management systems in order to accommodate these learners. However, in Africa not much research have been done on the readiness of higher education institutions in terms of blending web-based learning management systems with the traditional method of lecturing to cater for the next generation of learners. Methodology....................................................................................................................................................................................................... Quantitative and two non-probability sampling methods, namely, quota and purposive sampling was used to investigate the technological skills of selected lecturers from universities within Buffalo City Metropolitan as one of the core component to check the readiness of their faculty for the next generation of learners. Contribution........................................................................................................................................................................................................ This research will add to the growing knowledge about the blending of web-based learning management with the traditional style of lecturing in higher education in the 21st century digital economies. Findings.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. The results indicated that the participating lecturers need to be trained and sup-ported in the skills of using of the ICTs and computer programs applicable to enhance web-based learning in teaching and learning environment in higher education in order to cater for the next generation of learners associated with the 21st century digital economies. Recommendations for Practitioners................................................................................................................................................................. Much as there is a need for increased in investment in infrastructure within higher education institutions to support teaching and learning, continuous sup-port and training for academics to be technologically literate and also be abreast on rapidly evolving field of ICTs is paramount as it can expedite the teaching and learning process in higher education. Recommendation for Researchers................................................................................................................................................................... There is the need to explore in depth the other two components suggested by Mishra and Koehler (2007) which can serve as barriers for successfully integration of technology into teaching and learning by locus of knowledge. Impact on Society............................................................................................................................................................................................... The research will assist stakeholders, policy makers and agencies tasked with transforming institutions of higher learning to identify the barriers likely to hinder transformation efforts and address them accordingly. Future Research................................................................................................................................................................................................. Conducting research on technological skills of students are critical in this context.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasan Tinmaz ◽  
Jin Hwa Lee

Abstract The recent advancements in information and communication technologies have altered instructional contexts and re-shaped them into smart learning environments. One of the most common practices of these environments are learning management systems (LMS) where the learners and instructors utilize a software platform to fulfill, support and manage instructional activities around predefined objectives. Successful implementations of LMS have brought a variety on its usage from different cultures, genders, age groups or schooling levels. Hence, this study focuses on understanding the role of culture on LMS design, in along with the effects of gender, age and school year variables. The study participants were German (n = 83) and Spanish (n = 83) university students attending a fully online course offered by a South Korean university. At the end of the course, the students were asked to fulfill a survey on effective LMS design by pointing which features of LMS were more important for them. The survey included twenty questions on four major design factors; content management (six items), ease of use (five items), communication within LMS (four item) and screen design (five items). The dataset was analyzed by non-parametric statistical techniques around four variables on four dimensions (and their related survey questions). The most important result was insufficiency of one unique LMS design for all students which demonstrates the necessity of student demographics tailored smart systems. Additionally, age and gender variables were not making significant differences on LMS design as much as culture and school year variables. The study also revealed that while German students would appreciate goal-oriented individual learning, Spanish students would value process-oriented group learning with active communication. Furthermore, many features of LMS were highly valued by the freshman students more than other levels. The paper discusses these variables with possible explanations from the literature and depicts implementations for future design practices.


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