VSS 07 LMS Open Source VS Vendor

Panel discussions - Moodle, eCollege, Angel, Blackboard

Sharing courses within state
Learning Object Repository

Key Characteristics in an LMS
eCollege Solution
Integrated Calendar
Clear Navigational Structure
Create Stability

Currently uses Blackboard and eCollege - Wisconsin
Teacher productivity
Customer Support
Control of management features (passwords to new sections) (Blackboard prohibits adjustment of sections)
Reporting features
Student eMail

Current - Moodle
Flexibility
Versatility
Cost
Security
Ease of Use

"Get out of the business of technology"
- too much time spent of dealing with technology
- from the teacher perspective would not like to spend unnecessary time clicking, classroom set up

Re-focus on education - efficacy of curriculum


Using our own system was intensely time consuming

Moodle behind Web CT, eCollege
Moodle doesn't have bells and whistles
Moodle requires a tech person to keep it all up and running
Moodle does run eLluminate
Changing the "skin" is simple in Moodle and No Cost

3 technicians to serve 2,000 kids on Moodle - tried blackboard cost prohibited

What improvements are needed?
Anything to increase teacher productivity and enable them to better interact with students
Tools to better serve individual needs of students - must use the data, so really need reporting
When enhancements are needed, it drives up costs
Gradebook always need improvements
SIS integrated with LMS (eCollege doesn't have it)
Technical support for Learning Object Repository

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