Learning Management Systems - alternatives and 'new'

 The importance of  deploying the 'right' learning management system (LMS) to support digitally-supported learning has never been more important as many countries slip in and out of 'lockdown' and schools have to find ways to maintain contact and engage with learners.

In NZ, we are in an enviable position of 'normal' life as there have been few community cases. With vaccinations now being rolled out, the 'travel bubble' to be opened with Australia on April 19th, and quarantine for all travellers coming into NZ (apart from the Aussies after 19/4), it is hopeful that NZ will not have to return to stringent 'lock-down'.

However, the impetus for 'online'/  'blended' learning will not disappear. There has been many articles over the last year, extolling various LMSs. However, each has pros and cons and there will never be a 'one size fits all' LMS due to the diversity in learning needs across education. An example is this blog which lists 8 considerations for selecting an LMS - including learner/user experience; selecting the right features to match the type of learning to be undertaken; ensuring there is integration with existing systems; available customer support from the vendor; pricing; timeframe for implementation; scalabiliyt, reliability and security; and planning a 'product roadmap'.

At the moment, my institution uses Moodle. There are also some programmes using OB3 which provides for a more seamless way to provide for co-constructed learning between learners and teachers.

We have looked at Canvas which is more modern and mobile capable. Also the Open Polytechnic LMS iQualify. Decisions on which one we will end up using in the near future will be made by Te Pukenga as all the polytechnics being to merge into the larger entity.

Two alternatives are interesting as well. Showhow and Aula. 

- Showhow is promoted as a immersive LMS providing ease of integration between mobile and AR/VR. It is therefore worthwhile having a deeper look into Showhow due to the potential to better support practie-based learning using the immersive platform. 

- Aula is the UK version of Canvas. It was developed for UK Higher Education to provide for a better user experience and integration with mobile.

As always, important to balance learning needs and perhaps with the economies of scale possible with the formation of Te Pukenga, it will be possible to curate a small range of LMS, each aligned to specific learning needs, rather than just bank on one monolithic LMS.