Course/Learning System management

Course / Learning Management System (C/LMS)

What is C/LMS?

Course Management System or CMS can be defined as a tool that allows an instructor to post any information on the web without having to know the HTML or other computer languages. In other words, it helps you design compelling e-learning courses and online training courses. But, the best definition that best describe CMS is that, it provides an instructor with a set of tools and a framework that allows the relatively easy creation of online courses content and the subsequently teaching and management of the course including various interactions with students taking the course.

Why we use C/LMS?

CMS nowadays are taking o a similarly important role in the academic enterprise of Teaching and Learning. A CMS may contain aspects of administration (class rosters, recording grades). Plus, it also deals directly with core aspects of teaching (learning objects, class exercises, quizzes and tests). It may contain tools for real time chats or asynchronous bulletin board type communications. . In a brief way, we can say that CMS is an online learning that has all the features of Teaching and Learning in real life. It may have the administrative system similar to the one that we practise; only the difference is it is carried out by online. Furthermore, it reduces Class time spent on administrative through Roster, Site Member Photos, Sectioning, E-mail, Grade Center, Web Appointment Scheduling System and etc.

Where can we use C/LMS?

As long as you have the digital equipment such as laptop, iPad or computer you may use C/LMS and it has no boundaries, so that you may use it whenever you are as long you have the internet and those gadgets. Besides that, this system is easy and advancing quickly, so most of the tertiary educational institution using it for their students and lectures and become prominent role in teaching and learning process.  Last but not least it is suitable for students who is taking long distance learning as they can access  all the content and information for the course they are taking rather than leaving far behind because of the geographical location.

Who is using C/LMS?

In the previous paragraphs we mentioned about what is C/LMS and its function, so almost everyone in the educational field are using it both the learners and educators.

How to use C/LMS?

First thing first, you need to sign up the software. Then, you organize the content that you want to post and come out with a module. You may use the abbreviation to make it simple for the students - CI - a Content Item (an item that can be categorised and moved), DCI - a Discrete Content Item (a separate item that cannot be reused), MCI - Module Content Item (content locked within a module). Besides that, you need to create sections and categories in the software for clearer view and last but not least, fill in your course content into the sections and categories you’ve created.

The advantages of C/LMS.

There are lots of advantages of using CMS in education. It helps to spend less time on the trainees and course creation and management is automated. In spite of that, the learners can go through the material any time they want and as many times as they want. In case somebody s left behind, the instructor can personally assist that learner. The instructor also can keep checking the reports and interact with students on the Internet.

The list of C/LMS open source software:

● ACS- (www.acslearningservices.com)
● Blackboard- (www.blackboard.com)
● Certpoint- (www.certpointsystems.com)
● GeoLearning- (www.geolearning.com)
● Learn.com- (www.learn.com)
● Oracle iLearning/PeopleSoft- (http://ilearning.oracle.com)
● TEDS- (www.teds.com/products/lms.htm)
● WBT Systems- (www.wbtsystems.com)
● local universities e-learning web portal (UKM- SPIN)
● SPP @ LMS (spp.moe.edu.my)


References:

1. Retrieved July 17, 2011 from http://www.a3webtech.com/index.php/how-to-use-cms.html
2. Retrieved July 17,2011 from http://www.eleapsoftware.com/course-management-system/
course-management-system.html
3. Retrieved July 17,2011 from http://www.astd.org/NR/rdonlyres/12ECDB99-3B91-403E-
9B15-7E597444645D/23395/LMS_fieldguide_20091.pdf
4.Retrieved July 17, 2011from net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/DEC0302.pdf