In our group scenario, BCcampus had two LMS platforms, one vendor based and the other open source. BCcampus was going to downsize their IT group in three months and had to decide which platform, if either, they wanted to move forward with.
To start the brainstorming process our group looked at the Bates SECTION model for inspiration. Each component of the SECTION model raised important points that BCcampus would need to consider when selecting and implementing one central LMS. Some points that really stood out included, ease of use (for both end users and administration), compatibility, and tech. support (Bates, 2014). From there we considered Chickering & Ehramann’s seven principles of good practice. I took each principle and created a list of specific LMS functionality that would reflect it. For example, contact between students and faculty; this could be accomplished through discussion boards, instant messaging, email etc. (Chickering & Ehramann, 1996). We translated the ideas raised by both Bates and Chickering & Ehramann into five of our six rubric criteria: access, support, functionality, cost, and organizational requirements.
Throughout the planning process the Spiro article inspired us to think long term. According to Spiro, the end of the LMS was imminent, gone are the days of “one-size-fits-all courses” (2014). He emphasised the importance of adaptability and self-directing learning (Spiro, 2014). This lead to our sixth rubric category, customization. Once we decided on our main criteria, the rubric came together very naturally. We all started filling in the subheading and developing rating standards.
Going into assignment one I had some apprehensions. While I have been the end user for multiple LMS platforms, I have never used a LMS from the administration side. I was worried my inexperience would put me at a disadvantage in creating a rubric. I think being in a group was really beneficial in that way. We all brought different levels of experience to the table and were able to feed off of each other’s’ ideas. While it was challenging to coordinate schedules, I think in the end we all came together and produced a rubric we are proud of.
References
Bates, T. (2014). Teaching in digital age http://opentextbc.ca/teachinginadigitalage/ (Chapter 8 on SECTIONS framework)
Chickering, A. W., & Ehrmann, S., C. (1996). Implementing the seven principles: Technology as lever. American Association for Higher Education Bulletin, 49(2), 3-6. Retrieved from http://www.aahea.org/articles/sevenprinciples.htm
Spiro, K. (2014). 5 elearning trends leading to the end of the Learning Management Systems. Retrieved from http://elearningindustry.com/5-elearning-trends-leading-to-the-end-of-the-learning-managementsystem