elearnspace

Revisioning the LMS: an examination of formal learning management systems and component-based learning environments

Revisioning the LMS: an examination of formal learning management systems and component-based learning environments: "Given this revolution in technology innovation, static solutions such as learning management systems need constant updates and patches to take advantage of this dynamic and fluid digital environment. Most formal learning management systems are not designed to allow for this type of flexibility. As such, the concept of a component-based system offers a fresh perspective as a means of managing online teaching and learning...Ultimately, a component-based learning environment serves as an ecosystem or a point of aggregation for a variety of components."
Chris' thoughts resonate with my own - stop seeing our learning tools as walled structures (monolithic with limited functionality) and start seeing them as ecologies - systems that adapt and evolve as users needs change. However, the real adoption issue is one of buy-in and trust from decision makers (a point Mark makes in my previous post on LMS). I know that learners can learn in the component-based model (or call it a personal learning environment). It's happening online as learners move beyond classrooms and start blogging, podcasting, etc. It's happening as learners share files and photos, or collaborate using Writely. The effectiveness of component based learning environments is not on trial - it has been demonstrated that they work. The real issue is whether CBLE's can be harnessed to produce the intended learning outcomes valued by most educational facilities (and whether the learning can be measured in traditional ROI models). While I advocate for significant transformation, the desire for structure is not one that our organizations are currently prepared to abandon. We have to accept that any significant change will happen (at least over the next while) within the construct of this environment.