Learning Management Systems (LMS) & Static Websites

I really had no knowledge of what Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Static Websites were before doing some research on them. Learning Management Systems can handle the tasks of creating teaching material and managing online courses (Chao, 2009). Two of the major LMS that I am aware of is Moodle and Blackboard. Chao (2009) states that Moodle is the largest open source LMS sponser and supporter. Moodle supports millions of students and courses, and the number keeps growing, but it is only the second largest LMS provider. It is slightly lower than Blackboard (Chao, 2009). Moodle offers students and teachers a lot of rich features. Some of these include:

· Moodle support constructive learning through students being about to comment and contribute on content.
· Creates a diversified learning environment
· Strong support for classroom management
· Can be used as a collaborative tool
(Chao, 2009)

Blackboard provides the instructor with the tools to easily present class material on the Web, communicate online with the entire class and track what students are learning (Southworth, 2006). The Blackboard system allows for complete integration with other collections of information and data such as enrolment in courses or course registration (Southworth, 2006). Southworth (2006) also states that it can also be expanded with many third party applications.

LMS is software for delivering, tracking and managing training/education (Wikipedia, 2009). Wikipedia (2009) also states that they range from systems for managing training/educational records to software for distributing courses over the Internet and offering features for online collaboration. This fits right in with the Learning Design Framework (2003) as a learning resource and learning support elements. It acts as a resources support because it provides students with content, procedures and instructions with what students are to complete. LMS (as mentioned above) are a collaboration tool which fits in with the Engagement Theory (1999). Students are able to communicate among peers and with communities of learners so this will increase student’s motivation as it emphasizes meaningful learning (Kearsley & Schneiderman, 1999).

Wikipedia (2009) states that Static Websites is one that has web pages stored on the server in the format that is sent to a client web browser. It is primarily coded in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). Static Websites are the simplest kind of website and are suitable for small sites that don’t change much and don’t require personalization (Boiko, 2004). Boiko (2004) states that the disadvantage of this type of website is lack of flexibility and scalability.

After researching Static Websites I still really did not find any reason why I would need to use them within the classroom.

Does anyone have any ideas for what they could be used for?

Resources

AUTC. (2003). Learning Design. Accessed 10th August, 2009, from http://www.learningdesigns.uow.edu.au/project/learn_design.htm

Boiko, B (2004) Content Management Bible: Wiley Publishing; Indianapolis

Chao, L (2009) Utilizing Open Sources Tools for Online Teaching and Learning: IGI Global: United States of America

Kearsley, G & Schneiderman, B (1999) Engagement Theory - A framework for technology-based teaching and learning: Accessed August 4th 2009 http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm

Southworth, H., Cakici, K., Vovides, Y & Zvacek, S (2006) Backboard for Dummies: Wiley Publishing; Indianapolis

Wikipedia. (2009). Learning Management System. Accessed on the 15th August 2009; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_management_system

Wikipedia (2009) Website. Accessed on the 15th August 2009: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Website#Static_website