Executive Summary

Executive Summary

This educator is to propose the potential learning management system (LMS) for the School District. After much pondering, this educator narrowed the LMS choices to either Blackboard or Moodle. With the intent to identify, which LMS system would best serve the needs of the faculty and students, this educator examined both options and reached a conclusion. This educator recommends Moodle be designated as the sole learning management system for the School District. These recommendations are based on how fiscally responsible this decision to choose either Blackboard or Moodle.

Background

Learning Management Systems is a software system that delivers coursework online. The School District already provides an optional
“The purpose of the LMS is toward consolidation and providing a single, common infrastructure to manage and track learning and development initiatives across the multiple organization sites” (Clement-Okooboh 2012). A learning management system (LMS) is a software system that delivers coursework online. Both Blackboard and Moodle are learning management systems. These LMSs are extremely popular. “For e-learning programs to work, no matter whether they are produced in print, multi-media, or on-line, designers and developers must build a course with a strong foundation in these three pillars of e-learning [andragogy (how well adults learn), support (what help do they need) and logistics (how to reach learners with timely learning resources and support)]” (Kwan 2012). Both Blackboard and Moodle LMSs focus on andragogy, support, and logistics.

Blackboard and Moodle: A Comparison

Both Moodle and Blackboard offer standard LMS functionality, integrated learning outcome, a mobile polling app, an IOS course app, language localization, and a plug-in video-recording option. Additionally, both Moodle and Blackboard offer free Administrative Support, but charge for Secure Socket Layer (yearly fee), Hosting Fee (yearly fee), and Mobile Set-up (one-time fee). The comparison matrix is shown below in Table 1 gives a clear view of the similarities between Moodle and
A standard LMS includes student enrollment in courses, restricted access, customization enabled, ability to upload files (e.g. Word docs, PowerPoint, audio files), linking to external web sites, allows zip course, and provides on CD to students (Learning Systems Support 2009). Additionally, a standard LMS is SCORM compliant, has a discussion forum, has synchronous chat, has testing, has a drop box, has course calendar, has grades, allows for monitoring student participation, allow for copy course over from semester, and has customized template (Learning Systems Support 2009). Important features both of these LMSs offers are integrated learning outcomes and language localization. Integrated learning outcomes establish the foundation and direction for the program. In addition, language localization allows students to learn in their native language. Additionally, they offer optional plug-in video recording and mobile apps. Moreover, both of these LMSs require similar security, hosting, and mobile fees. Finally, Moodle and Blackboard offer free administrative