As educators and users of technology, the need to be able to
communicate in the language and format of the profession is critical. For this
week’s blog, I have decided to explore Open Source Software and Learning
Management Systems as a means to improve my technological vernacular and to
become more fluent with this technology.
Open
Source:
Open source refers to free software that can be modified by
anyone at any time. The “Open Source Way” subscribes to the belief that information
should be open and free to anyone to use for their learning purposes (Open
Source.org., n.d.). Ideas and information is shared free in this environment as
a means to inspire creativity, improve problem solving skills, and build
community through collaboration. Open exchange, participation, rapid
prototyping, meritocracy, and community are the mainstays of open source.
Community development is fueled and change is set into motion when information
is open for anyone to access. The marriage between open source software,
multimedia technology, and instructional media means that everyone can partake
in the dream of higher level education without geographic encumbrance or
socioeconomics (Downes, 2011).
The main difference between other types of software and open
source is that a lot of software contains code that prevents the content from
being modified. It is no surprise then that this type of software is often
referred to as “closed source software” or proprietary software (Open
Source.org., n.d.). Open source software, on the other hand, can be modified or
enhanced by anyone.
Learning
Management Systems (LMS):
LMS is used to deliver e-learning, online, and hybrid
learning programs. It is essentially the infrastructure that manages the
educational content. Blackboard and Moodle are examples of learning management
systems. These are frequently used in educational systems ranging from primary
to higher education and by corporations who want to deliver online training and
education. LMS allow users to determine, design, and administer learning
strategies. Regulation of content delivery and tracking can also be managed in
this medium.
Moodle is an
open source – free learning management system (LMS) that allows users to shape
the learning environment the way they want it. Moodle provides simplification
and enhances education delivery in a way that is unique to the needs of the
University and its students. Because of its free ware, collaborative
environment, Moodle seems to be a more economic approach to offering online or
hybrid courses for small colleges and universities (Straumsheim, 2014).
Blackboard differs from Moodle in that it cannot
be manipulated by individuals and is controlled by the administrator. This
specific LMS is more expensive but according to Jay Bhatt,
CEO of Blackboard, Blackboard offers cutting edge delivery of education and
content that cannot be met by community based open source ware like Moodle. Nevertheless the mass
proliferation in Moodle use caught the attention of Blackboard who in 2012
invested in Moodlerooms, a site that
helps users to design instructional enviroments using moodle (Straumsheim, 2014).
Thanks for tuning in!
Tech Girl
References:
Ellis, R. (2009). A field guide to learning management
systems. Learning Circuits. Retrieved
from http://www.astd.org/~/media/Files/Publications/LMS_fieldguide_20091
Downes, S.
(2011). Free learning: Essays on open educational resources and
copyright. Retrieved fromhttp://www.downes.ca/files/books/FreeLearning.pdf
Open Source.Org (n.d.). Open source is changing the world.
Retrieved from https://opensource.com/open-source-way
Open Source.Org (n.d.). What is open source? Retrieved from http://opensource.com/resources/what-open-source
Straumshiem, C (2014). Moodle for the masses. Inside Higher
Ed. Retrieved from http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/02/13/moodle-tops-blackboard-among-small-colleges-analysis-says
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