Learning Management Systems A Review and Recommendation of three different LMS By Carissa Boulton

What is a Learning Management System (LMS)? A web-based platform that is capable of handling all aspects of electronic educational technology education or training courses. Administration, tracking, documentation, delivery Can be used as a course supplement Used as a parent portal, content dump, or collaboration space Very often used in blended learning

So…what exactly is it again? (Simple Terms Definition) A virtual learning environment It has many possible uses – these can and should be customized to the needs of the users

Examples of how an LMS can be used in face- to-face instruction: Content and instruction can be delivered on the LMS before a face-to-face lecture or assignment to prepare students for what they will be learning or working on Before or after lecturing face to face, the student can use the LMS to access presentations and materials used in the classroom The LMS can be used to administer assessments or assignments based on what was learned face-to-face

Overview of three main LMS for consideration Edmodo – hailed as the “Facebook” of the education community, this LMS has the look and feel of a social media site which could appeal to kids. Also has many pros which we will discuss shortly. Lore – also Facebook inspired, but allows users to create a profile viewable by others in the class/group; this platform is centered around discussions and course content. Piazza- designed especially as a forum for help with questions, this LMS also offers a variety of other helpful tools related to blended learning

Edmodo Strengths: World’s largest K-12 social learning community. Mobile Application available Allows for polling and quizzing of students Allows the teacher to track the progress of students Weaknesses Requires a great deal of teacher supervision Some of the apps available for purchase can be quite expensive Depending upon the subject, app choices can be quite limited

Edmodo Tools that support blended learning Edmodo makes it very easy to upload or access lesson plans for content and instruction through the Library and Discover sections. These features support the Rotation and Flex models, especially. Blended learning is also supported in that students can discuss topics as a class and can also submit public or private questions to the teacher Due to its design similarities to Facebook or a social networking site, this promotes student involvement in discussion of educational topics through student to student interaction Usability rating: 4 out of 5 stars Support? –has a very thorough “help center” with a friendly and useful support team.

Lore Strengths Allows users to create their own individualized profile, similar to one on Facebook. Discussion forums Library feature allows instructor to upload content and instruction Weaknesses Lacks a mobile app Lacks the ability to track progress Lacks the ability to quiz or poll students

Lore Tools that support blended learning The Library feature allows the instructor to upload content and instruction The discussion section allows students and the instructor within a class or group to make posts and discuss the current material The calendar feature allows the instructor to post upcoming assignments or discussions that students must participate in Usability – 2.5 out of 5 stars Support? – Ironically, I was never able to access the support FAQ page. My complaint about this to the support concierge team was never responded to.

Piazza Strengths Offers the ability to give polls as well as assign homework, exams, or post notes. Categories of content and instruction can be customized under folders Allows the instructor to see statistics about which students are top contributors and participants Content and instruction can be easily uploaded Mobile app exists and allows for fast answers to questions or help from other students Weaknesses The interface can appear cluttered; makes it a bit more difficult to get started using Although content and instruction can be posted, the interface is not specifically designed to do so as this site is primarily designed as a Q & A format The mobile app is very limited in its design; does not promote exploration from a student standpoint

Piazza Tools that support blended learning The ability to upload content and instruction Discussion forums Question and answer forums Help with homework problems Usability – 3 out of 5 stars Support – very useful help center which has an added bonus of tutorial videos

Comparison of learning curves Lore has the most straightforward and usable interface to learn; but this is more stemming from it’s limit in functions than anything else. Edmodo has a very straightforward interface but, because it has added functions, still takes a little while to learn. Tutorial videos would be helpful although it does have a tour feature which helps Piazza has great tutorial videos, but its interface appears by far, the most cluttered due to its design. This website would be very helpful but takes the most time to get acquainted with

Recommendation Based on the ease of use, functionality, and great mobile app presence my recommendation is to use Edomodo as the LMS for the school district. It’s design is the most likely to be eagerly used by students and it offers the most access to the educational community’s shared resources. Although Piazza is an excellent option for the Q & A format, it lacks these resources and is not specifically designed for blended learning. Lore is much more limited than both Edmodo and Piazza; it is also slow loading and lacks support.