Proprietary Virtual Learning System and Open Source Learning System - Assignment Example

Review of Proprietary virtual learning system and open source learning system (Module number) Executive Summary Thisreport analysed three virtual learning systems one that was open office, Moodle open source learning system, and proprietary virtual learning system Blackboard. The report also analysed a virtual learning system created by the University of Brunel. The report sought to find a comparison between the three virtual learning systems and especially between open source learning systems and virtual learning systems. The findings were conclusive and both were found to have numerous advantages and disadvantages, open source was found to favour institutions that did not want to spend a lot on their learning management system and would be able to delegate employees to run the system while blackboard was found to be appropriate for the institutions that had the money to buy the best learning system. The institution customized learning system required the institution to create the learning system from scratch but it was also a costly venture but it would cater for the system needs since it was tailored specifically for the system. In conclusion it was found that virtual learning systems are now very important in learning institutions, for it operate smoothly and to prevent the cumbersome old traditional methods that used to give instructors and students a hard time. Introduction Santiago et al (2007) enumerates that various studies have shown that achieving a satisfying learning environment and teaching frame work requires the use of open source learning platforms and virtual learning environments. They are therefore critical for learning institutions. Rosenberg (2001) further states that online training and learning platforms is a viable mode of instruction. But virtual learning packages should not be a replication of in class training. Structure can vary but the needs of the students should be first and foremost in the delivering training through virtual learning environments and open source platforms. Open source software is made up of broad reaching movement of individuals who create a platform that is available to all and can be modified by anyone. It promotes sharing and modification of the software by the individuals who access it and have an interest in it. The main difference between open source and virtual learning environment propriety systems is that propriety software have property rights that is they have patents and have restrictions and conditions imposed by the software license. In open source learning software users are granted the rights to both program’s functionality and methodology, with propriety software users only have the rights to functionality. Pierre (2000) describes a virtual learning environment as basically an education system used on the web; it is mainly used in distance learning platforms. It emulates a class environment; it has class content, tests, homework, grades, assessments and other external resources such as book links and library links. It also allows teacher student interaction through threaded discussions and chats. The open source software that is going to be discussed in this paper is Moodle; the proprietary VLE software is Blackboard and Brunel University Virtual Learning Environment Strategy Working Group (VLESWG) (2010). Findings and analysis Moodle Stavroulla (2011) emulates that Moodle (abbreviation for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment), is a free open source-learning software platform also known as Course Management system and Virtual learning environment. Sansta (2008) showed that Moodle is designed to help educator’s create online courses with opportunities for increased interaction. It is an open source license meaning people can develop additional functionality. It is designed to create a learning environment that is collaborative between students and teachers. Moodle is classified as a Learning Management system. There are so many ways to create content in Moodle for example one can create flying HTML pages. It has basic content management components and e-learning modules that provide content training. It has most of the features of an online bulletin board, and most of its content can be created entirely on Moodle entirely. It has an easy to learn interface that can create quizzes, surveys and events. Contents for java and applet can be uploaded into the Moodle system and used to create further learning materials. The common collaborative tool used in Moodle is the forum, which includes wikis and online bulletin boards. There are also advanced instructional design tools such as assignments and a way to group students in various groups for various assignments. An example is when a teacher creates a forum post; they can specify that the students shouldn’t see others answer until they have posted an answer of their own. In open source software the reliance is majorly on community participation and support and new features. It works best when it has a robust and engaged community. The Moodle community is impressive due to the quality and support the members give to it. Stravoulla (2011) further emulates the advantages of Moodle are; immediate access to important course information, additional learning tools, such as forums and quizzes (self-tests), the freedom of access to course materials anytime wherever you are, total cost ownership is reduced, savings can be used for content development, the Moodle community is an extremely effective resource and one can customize it to fit all your needs. She further shows the disadvantages of Moodle are; more instructor support is required especially in teaching stuff that may not be able to cope with new technology. It is a great idea but it’s too much trouble to create content there may be little time to keep on changing the content and keep up with the changing curriculum. Lack of ease to obtain support in Forum although it has a great deal of information the bulk of information is also a major hindrance and it requires someone on your stuff to take responsibility for making it work unlike in proprietary software whereby the makers of the software are in charge of making it work and the users only have functional rights Blackboard Virtual learning system Bradford (2007) states that, the Blackboard Learning system is a web- based software which features convenient course management, customizable open architecture and scalable design that enables combination with student information systems and authentication protocols. It can be installed on local servers or hosted by Blackboard ASP solutions. Blackboard offers two unique product lines called the Network Transaction Environment (NTE) and Network Learning Environment (NLE) (Jason 2006, Pittinsky2005). The NTE is the Blackboard Commerce suite which contains Black board Transaction system, the Black Board Community System and The Blackboard one. This commerce suite provides software for the establishment of universal financial and data accounts for students, faculty and other members of campus community. The advantages of Blackboard learning System; Include increased availability it can be accessed from the internet at anytime and anywhere. The students can retrieve course work, assignments, lecture notes and other academic materials from the software at any time and they can also upload their finished assignments and tests anywhere. In 2004 survey conducted by Duke University, students were asked to choose a function of Blackboard that was most useful to them 85% chose easy accessibility to course work and learning materials. Quick feedback is also a feature of Black board which is faculty-initiated feedback and automated feedback. This is achieved through instant grading and appropriate feedback options for students. Improved communication through announcements, virtual class rooms and email which are available to all students keeping them on current issues going on in the schools. It also has a good tracking system which tracks student’s usage of course material and instructors can obtain statistic on student performances on tests and assignments. It also increases skill building in the students and instructors by providing a calendar which allows mapping of the course work of students such hat students can choose the courses they want to take and at what times at the beginning of the semester. Black board has a couple of drawbacks also; it is hard to learn Carnvale (2003) shows that a survey carried on 730 staff of Wisconsin system, the majority of those who used Blackboard , found the use of Course management systems was time-consuming and inflexible. Black board options are restricted to particular operating system additional features provided only on Microsoft NT. It also has system inefficiencies Culatta (2004) shows that there significant cost of wasted bandwidth with portal- based systems. The cost for installing the system in universities is very high compared to open source learning systems. Comparison between Moodle and Black board learning systems Logan et al 2010, enumerates that there is little difference between the two virtual learning systems, because even if the VLE does not have functionality built in, both VLEs support add-ins building blocks for blackboard and plug-ins for Moodle. Blackboard is commercially developed VLE, Moodle is an open source VLE, although the user has to host it themselves. In both VLE one can set up community hubs, and download templates for building their own courses. The main differences between the two are their features and functions both of these VLEs have a lot of different functionality available, either natively or through add-on type functionality. The cost of both of them is clearly different, Moodle is less expensive compared to Blackboard which is very expensive which is a cream of crop product and will require uses who want the best VLE money can buy. But Moodle is a premier product which comes at a much lower cost. They are also very different products with different vendor models. One is open source which has many different vendors and to choose from while the other is proprietary and there is just one company to work with. Brunel University Virtual Learning Environment Strategy Working Group (VLESWG) (2010) The VLE strategy working group was established by the information steering group in September 2009. For the purpose of developing a vision for e-learning at Brunel with particular emphasis on continued provision of a virtual learning environment (VLE) it created its own VLE SYSTEM. The adoption of VLES in universities has increased over the years; this has led to an overwhelming response from the students on how learning has been made easy through implementation of VLEs in the universities. The Brunel University created its own VLE and has the following advantages, an institutionally supported VLE that enables supplementary resources to be made available to students who would otherwise use traditional methods. It has led to innovative modes of teaching focusing on increased communication and understanding among the students. It has also enabled the students to use their own technologies in engaging with teachers and revising their work. Although an institution based VLE is costly to the university and institution because it has to create the VLE from scratch. Conclusion Proprietary VLE and open source learning systems are important to learning institutions. This has led to an easier learning environment of students in the institutions that adopt these systems. It has made learning enjoyable and increased commitment among students. This analysis has also showed that virtual learning systems have increased in their innovation and the properties offered by the systems. They keep on making life for students and instructors easier. References Bradley, D.A. (2005). The divergent anarcho-utopian discourses of the open source software movement. Canadian Journal of Communication 30: 585-611 Belanger, Y. (2004). Summary of fall 2003 Blackboard survey results. Retrieved from: Blackboard.duke.edu/pdf/Bb_survey_report_f2003.pdf. Carnevale D (2003). Study of Wisconsin professor’s finds drawbacks to course management systems. Chronicle of Higher Education. 49(43):26 Culatta, R. (2004). Top reasons to mobilize-Chris Thomas (INTEL). Retrieved from: Wideopendoors.net/blog/archives/2004 Dillenbourg, P. (2000). Virtual Learning environments EUN Conference 2000: Learning in the new millennium: Building new education strategies for schools. Jayson, S. (May 2006). Blackboard breaks though. Retrieved from: www.fool.com/News/mft Walsh (2010). Model 2.0 versus blackboard 9.1- A brief Comparison. Retrieved from: http://www.emergingedtech.com/ Pittinsky M, Bell, T. (2005) From the dining hall to the campus bookstore to a networked transaction environment: Overview white paper. Blackboard, Inc. Snasta. (August 2008), Moodle: An open Source Learning Management System, Retrieved from: http://www.elearningcouncil.com/content/moodle-open-source-learning-management-system Appendix This chart shows an example of a social media flow chart of Moodle CMS, by Ayub (2012) Read More