Learning Content Management Systems

WebCT
The Learning Management System (LMS) or Learning Content Management System (LCMS) – sometimes called Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is of vital importance in ensuring quality of the learning delivery and support. Currently PolyU/HKCyberU uses WebCT as its LCMS. This system is well established in universities around the globe for a number of reasons. Firstly, it enables tutors with limited IT knowledge to upload learning content in various media to the portal. Secondly, it provides the basic tools for student support such as discussion, chat and networking. Thirdly, it provides the essential administrative tools to track progress, monitor assessment and manage students’ learning accounts. Overall, the system is well accepted and reasonably cost-effective. WebCT also has many limitations and though scores well on some counts it falls short in others.

Open Source LCMS
An innovative group of educators from universities around the globe are increasingly turning to Open Source technology to develop LCMS. Open source is when the source code of a computer program is made available free of charge to the general public. As well as a non-commercial development environment, it is also starting to challenge the leading commercial products with its user-friendly and easily upgradeable features. Open source may be the way that the education sector really takes a lead in providing a globally accessible learning system.

Some institutions have been developing non-commercial open source programmes that match or exceed the functionality and usability of WebCT and are now available to the worldwide educational community. The best examples are user-friendly for the developer as well as the student, cost-effective and are constantly evolving and improving as users share technical improvements with each other.

Speed and access
With broadband technology established globally, developing and delivering learning material in a variety of media is now possible. Lecturers (with support from technicians) should be able to develop a range of learning items ranging from standard text and graphics to audio, video, simulations and animations with less time and cost than before. This means that learning content can be richer in media, not relying on the standard Powerpoint on the web presentations. The development and use of learning objects is an important part of the developing resources that institutions can now develop and reuse in their courses. A section on learning objects will follow.

Authoring tools
Open source platforms give lecturers access to easy-to-use tools to develop their courses into e-learning mode. The platforms offer all the functions of the LCMS and the course development tools in an integrated suite.

Central or local LCMS
SHTM should consider having its own server to host and manage its e-learning programmes and thereby control the quality and integrity of its programmes. This would enable the School to develop its own identity and manage its potential overseas students more personally. Open source technology and LCMS makes this a practical and financially viable option to WebCT.