An Analysis of Some Learning Management Systems

Abstract

The use of modern information and communication technology as a means of training pupils and students has become a popular trend. For this purpose, a special type of web-based content management systems, called Learning Management Systems (LMSs), has been used. Due to their wide implemented, lots of LMSs have been developed in recent years. All those platforms often provide similar features and users can hardly choose the most appropriate for them. There is a variety of methodologies for the quality evaluations of e-learning in the scientific literature. However, there are no good explanations and detailed studies of most of the modern LMS platforms. This article proposes an analysis of the usability and software functionality of the LMS frameworks. Based on the survey of the state-of-art science research, the criteria for analysis of the LMS platforms in this paper are summarized in three categories: Learning skills tools, Communication tools, and Productivity tools. The main goal is to present a wide-range comparative analysis of 36 electronic learning management systems. All of them support the use of multimedia elements, creating and editing the lectures, exercises and course assignments. The lack of communication support leads to using web forums and social networks out of the LMS. The contribution of this paper presents an enriched modern trend of the software methodologies of the web-based oriented learning management systems from the perspective of design and development.