Module 3:

Case Assignment

• Read the Clement-Okooboh (2012) and Kwan (2012) articles and summarize and explain how an LMS can be used to support educational processes. Both articles provide good background in this area. (Kwan (2012) uses the Commonwealth of Learning e-Learning for International Organizations (COLeLIO) as an illustrative example of using a LMS.)
• Go to Blackboard (http://www.blackboard.com/) and Moodle (http://moodle.com/) websites. Explore and examine the sites and determine the capabilities of the LMS product that they offer. Each site offers an LMS solution for a variety of audiences and markets (K-12, Higher Educations, Corporate etc.). You will have to be able to compare and contrast the LMSs from both companies.
• Put yourself in the role of an educator who has to recommend the purchase of an LMS for your organization. You have narrowed your choices to the final two vendors – Blackboard and Moodle. You must prepare an executive briefing essay of 4-5 pages to the top administrators of your school or organization. You must recommend the selection of one of the two LMSs offered by Blackboard or Moodle.
• Include a matrix (table) in your essay that shows a comparison of the two LMS products. You may determine which criteria you wish for the comparison. This matrix should appear as either a table or an appendix (in APA format).
• In your executive briefing essay you must:     
  • Explain how to manage educational processes within a technology-based environment.
  • Compare and contrast the features and functions of various Learning Management Systems (LMS).
  • Describe how the selected LMS is appropriate for your intended audience.

Assignment Expectations

Be sure to synthesize, not merely summarize, material from the background readings. Cite all sources in APA format.

Module 3 SLP:

The Session Long Project for this course requires students to develop a Technology-Based Learning Compendium*. This compendium will consist of a series of web-based resources and scholarly readings addressing various aspects of technology-based learning. Think of a compendium as a list or a brief summary of a larger work that you are creating. Each entry in your compendium will contain detailed information – including an annotated bibliography, and analysis and synthesis of research data. As you continue your career you should add other resources as you discover them. This SLP should continue to expand beyond this course.

* Compendium = a brief summary of content related to a specific issue; a list or inventory of items related to a particular subject area.

The following topics will be included in your Compendium, and each topic will be completed as you progress through the five modules during the Session Long Project:

Module 1 – Current Trends in Technology-based Learning

Module 2 – Learner Readiness

Module 3 – Learning Management Systems

Module 4 – Future Learning Technologies

The following information will be presented for each module topic:

• Complete reference information – APA style.
• Synthesis of key points/ideas presented via each resource.
• How this resource can assist you with your e-learning needs.
• Utility of key points/ ideas with respect to the e-learning.

SLP Assignment Expectations

In accordance with the information above:

• Peruse the Internet and the Trident library for readings and scholarly resources addressing the topic of a Learning Management System (LMS). You must expand your search for LMSs beyond Blackboard and Moodle. There are numerous LMSs on the commercial market. Focus on LMSs that best fit the needs of your intended learners and organization.
• Identify and select five literature resources (describing LMSs) to be included in your Technology-Based Learning Compendium. Annotate each literature entry, providing a summary of the article and highlighting the specific main ideas.
• Write a 3- to 4-page paper in which you describe how the selected LMSs can be used and implemented in your school or organization. Be sure to discuss the features, benefits, and any other useful information regarding each LMS.
• Please be sure to include the following information as related to the above items:     
  • Complete reference information – APA style.
  • Synthesis of key points/ideas presented via each resource.
  • Utility of key points/ideas with respect to Learning Management Systems (LMS).
  • Assessment of each resource regarding the accuracy and practicality of information presented.

Module 3 Discussion:

Write an original post that defines the concept of a digital, computer-based learning management system (LMS). Be sure to address the functionality needed by LMSs to ensure successful development and implementation of technology-based learning.

You will need to respond to or evaluate three peer postings, with at least a 125-word response, which will cause you and your peers to generate creative ideas and concepts for your Case Assignment and SLP.