Choosing the Appropriate E-Learning System for a University

Abstract

In this chapter the author discuss the introduction of an e-learning system to enhance teaching and learning at a university. The focus is on the decision process choosing a system. Abstract criteria and feature lists are not sufficient for choosing the right e-learning software, even if all stakeholders and their respective requirements are heard. The author argues that “soft” factors should be considered when evaluating e-learning software: (1) The age of the students and their level of education, (2) the pedagogical guidelines and the culture of teaching and learning of the university, and (3) the educational scenarios in lectures and seminars. These factors seem to be only small details and are typically neither mentioned in the requirements nor in the feature lists of e-learning software. Therefore the author proposes that institutions should evaluate prospective systems in real-world scenarios. As a case in point, the author will outline a number of significant differences between two e-learning systems with a focus on pedagogical aspects. The systems can be seen as representative for a certain class of systems; both offer all features that are commonly seen as the most relevant when making a decision for a university e-learning system.