Learning Management SYSTEM a virtual school

A Learning Management System (LMS) is software that enables teachers to build online courses which provide students with opportunities to gather information, collaborate and communicate. Blackboard and Moodle are both LMS.

Throughout my three years at University I have used Blackboard for many courses. Now, I find blackboard extremely easy to use. I have seen many blackboard course sites. Some of these were highly effective and became a space in which students could reflect, share thoughts, access further information and explore many different resources. Some blackboard sites were simply a means of providing further information to students. When blackboard sites are carefully designed they can be engaging and innovative learning resources.

Blackboard as a virtual school, including the ability to deliver an engaging, personalized educational experience to students. School and universities are now using blackboard for virtual learning opportunities – for opportunities to learn at their own pace and take control of their learning. Some students even feel more comfortable to ‘speak up’ and interact with other classmates and their teachers in an online setting.

By using moodle for this course has given me an insight into this Learninging Management System’s capabilities. Moodle seems to facilitate collaborative learning in a much more effective way than blackboard. Moodle encourages collaboration and aligns with Kearsley and Schneiderman’s Engagement theory which claims that learners need to engage in collaborative experiences (1999).
Using Moodle and Blackboard
· Both has features that allow it to scale to very large students or groups
· Fully online courses, while some use it simply to augment face-to-face courses (known as blended learning).
· Build richly collaborative communities of learning around their subject matter (in the social constructionist tradition).

Reflection:
I have to be open and ready to unlearn and re learn new skills and knowlwedge. Yesterday's opinion can sometimes no longer valid to the present.

Cheers
Mary-Ann

Reference: Kearsley, G. & Shneiderman, M. (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved Nov. 18, 2009,from http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm