OER Handbook/educator version one/Compose/Learning support systems



Since the advent of the Internet and associated opportunities for on-line learning and, more recently, "connected" or "networked" learning through social software, the range of systems and supporting tools available is growing rapidly. In this section we highlight a few prominent examples of learning management systems (LMSs), virtual learning environments (VLEs), content management systems (CMSs), blogging and wiki engines, and other tools offering combinations of resources for OER development.

LMSs and VLEs
A learning management system (LMS) is software designed to manage classes, including attendee lists, quizzes, calendars, assignments and learning modules. Virtual Learning Environments are similar in concept emphasizing the learning environment over management. For the purposes of this document, LMSs and VLEs are listed in the same category. The most widely-known proprietary example is Blackboard/WebCT. Elgg is meant for institutional deployment, but not necessarily for individual classrooms. Moodle, by contrast, can be used in an individual classroom, or by an entire school. Many educators have used Moodle in their classroom, so there is a wealth of information available on how to use it. Sakai is used by higher education institutions and research groups and is not well-suited for individual classrooms.

Content Management Systems
Drupal, Joomla! and Plone are some of the most popular open source content management systems (CMS) available. CMSs, by default, do not have quiz and grading features. These features can be added, or the CMS can simply be used to store class documents, images and video. CMSs can be difficult to deploy without the help of IT staff.

Wikis
Wikis started out as a very simple way of creating easily editable web pages. The concept caught on in a big way with Wikipedia. The education community has attempted to inspire this degree of cooperation by establishing sites such as WikiEducator, Wikiversity, Appropedia, etc. One of the most popular wiki engines is MediaWiki after its notable success with Wikipedia.

Blogs
A "blog" (short for "web log") makes it easy to publish individual entries or stories and time stamps the entries to form a log of activities, postings, etc. The power of blogs has been used in education successfully in a variety of ways to communicate course activities, report on progress and to generate discussion among learners. A good example which may interest readers of this manual is "Terra Incognita: exploring new ground in online education" (see "Additional Reading" in the Conclusion).

It should be noted that most prominent CMSs, LMSs and VLEs either include or may be extended to include wikis and blogs.