The LMS group meets in 42 minutes and I am reviewing my last post on the LMS site, Desire2Learn Synopsis, thinking what do I want to convey about my findings.
The two concerns that come to mind are:
- the Blackboard Lawsuit against D2L
- the client list consists mostly of large research institutions
Features and tools that I D2L has that might be of import, no matter what LMS we settle on.
- Standard tools set – Tools included in the suite includes the tools most used by the faculty at Allegheny. Including Quiz, Threaded Discussions, Gradebook and language plug-ins (need to check if there is an additional cost for language packs). There is also administrative tools (Middleware) that can integrate with Library and Enterprise systems.
- Blogging option for students and faculty – The varying levels of publicness is a plus and that the blog is outside the class. This could develop into portfolio of thoughts and intellectual growth for the students career at AC or a piece of the faculty’s tenure and promotion documentation.
- The Briefcase/Locker Storage – having a common space for uploading of documents is a big plus as the documents are tied to the person not a particular course that comes and goes. If the upload process would allow for multiple file upload or drag and drop using webdav or the like even better.
- User Centric Tools and Options – It appears that the more tools than what we are used to in our version of WebCT are designed to be used per user as opposed to being totally self-contained within a course. The Calendar, Briefcase, Blog, email are examples of this.
- Import and conversion tools as of SCORM and IMS standard compliant content.
- The D2L quiz component can be purchased separately.
Questions I still have -
- Is it wise to give extensive consideration to a company in a lawsuit?
- Portal Systems – is this something that is in our future?
- What does the interface look like and is it as user friendly as the website makes it seem?
