Learning Management System Evaluation and Selection
Educational technology goes hand-in-hand with pedagogy when it comes to teaching and learning. At the center of our collection of educational tools, especially those in online-only courses, is the Learning Management System (LMS). Compared to other newer technologies, such as blogs and wikis, the selection and implementation of an LMS requires more in-depth evaluation due to the higher re-implementation costs associated with making an initial poor choice. LMS choice goes beyond a simple comparison of the various tools available in the various LMS candidates. This case study examines the process by which the UMassOnline consortium chose an LMS to replace their end-of-life LMS. In this case we describe the Learning Platform Review process that drove our decision-making, the rationale behind this process, and the outcomes. This LPR process is based on agile methodology, and it was the first use case of the LPR for the UMassOnline consortium; we therefore also include a post-modem analysis, what we learned, and what we would have done differently.