The Evaluation of Learning Management Systems by Using Fuzzy AHP, Fuzzy TOPSIS and an Integrated Method: A Case Study

Abstract

Distance Education has become an important educational model with the development of information and communication technologies in the world. It has also become increasingly used model in Turkey. In our country, the number of universities and educational organizations offering distance education programs increase day by day. Distance education is performed by some special software called Learning Management System (LMS). There are both commercial LMSs and several open-source LMSs that have cost advantages. It is difficult to select an appropriate LMS for many institutions to meet their standards. The decision making and selection process is crucial, because LMS functions are different from each other, and they all have various features. Because of this, in this study, it is targeted to help and facilitate the decision-making process of LMS for institutions. In this study, Fuzzy AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), Fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and an integrated method were used for evaluating criteria and deciding alternatives. To help accomplish this aim, questionnaire forms was designed and used for data collection. These methods were compared with each other. Results were evaluated. According to results among different criteria, the most important criteria for selecting LMS alternatives was found Content Management and Development (96.3%) and between the alternatives Moodle was found the best alternative with the degree of 36.3%.