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LMS Platforms
Learning Management Systems or LMS are programs that enable students and teachers to access the course content for on-line learning. This learning management system, hosts the curriculum of semester or full credit courses. Course content for modules or units for use in a blended classroom can also be hosted in the learning management system. The LMS houses the content, administers assessments, facilitates communication, and contains grades and attendance records of each student. There are a number of commercially produced LMS with Blackboard, Desire2Learn and ANGEL among the most commonly known.
Open source management systems have been created and shared by individuals and educational institutions across the world. Open source programs commonly used are Moddle and Sakai (look under Resources for further information.)
SPARCC supported schools have used a variety of learning management systems with their on-line program. Districts have created courses and hosted them on the following platforms:
The price structure for the various LMS varies. Blackboard and Educator charges a specific amount based upon the number of licenses used per year. Hotschools.net will sell their platform to the educational entity thus eliminating the constraint of a limited license while providing on-going technical support. Products such as Moodle and Sakai are open source meaning that there are no fees associated with their use.
LMS programs most be hosted on a server located either at the school or at the company for an additional cost to the district.
Not all curricula can be hosted on all platforms.
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