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Instructional Technology & Distance Learning

User Groups
B. Distance Learning
Platforms
D. Proprietary
Course Vendors
E. Courses F. Courses + Instructors
Last updated: Sunday 02/10/2008 2:49 AM


C. Open Source Platforms (Courseware Management Systems, Learning Management Systems)

ATutor

ATutor is an Open Source Web-based Learning Content Management System (LCMS) designed with accessibility and adaptability in mind. Administrators can install or update ATutor in minutes, develop custom templates to give ATutor a new look, and easily extend its functionality with feature modules. Educators can quickly assemble, package, and redistribute Web-based instructional content, easily retrieve and import prepackaged content, and conduct their courses online. Students learn in an adaptive learning environment.

Moodle

Moodle is a course management system (CMS) - a free, Open Source software package designed using sound pedagogical principles, to help educators create effective online learning communities. You can download and use it on any computer you have handy (including webhosts), yet it can scale from a single-teacher site to a 50,000-student University.

Sakai

Sakai is an online Collaboration and Learning Environment. Many users of Sakai deploy it to support teaching and learning, ad hoc group collaboration, support for portfolios and research collaboration. Sakai is a free and open source product that is built and maintained by the Sakai community. Sakai's development model is called "Community Source" because many of the developers creating Sakai are drawn from the "community" of organizations that have adopted and are using Sakai.

 

D. Proprietary Platforms (Courseware Management Systems, Learning Management Systems)

Angel

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, ANGEL Learning was founded in July 2000. ANGEL Learning and ANGEL LMS evolved from research and teaching experience at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. The initial research system deployed in 1996 became Indiana University's OnCourse. ANGEL LMS was created using the early system concepts and was made more generally applicable and maintainable with a tailorable user interface, flexible backend database integration, and a high performance, reliable component architecture.

Blackboard (WebCT)

Founded in 1997 with a vision to enable educational innovations everywhere by connecting people and technology, Blackboard is a leading provider of e-Education enterprise software applications and services.  Consisting of five software applications bundled in two suites, the Blackboard Academic Suite and the Blackboard Commerce Suite, these products are licensed on a renewable basis.

Desire2Learn

Founded in 1999, Desire2Learn Inc. is a leader in providing innovative eLearning solutions to academic and other leading organizations around the world. Our offerings include our web-based Learning Environment, Learning Repository, LiveRoom and other innovative technology. Our focus is on research and development and service and support for our clients, and our products lead the market in innovation and client satisfaction.

eCollege

eCollege provides all of the necessary technology and services in an integrated approach to power the profitable growth of online distance programs. The company focuses on supporting the success of its customers by teaming with institutions to generate high student satisfaction, strong program retention and enrollment growth. As the only eLearning outsource provider focused on developing full programs, we support some of the largest and fastest growing online degree, certificate and professional development programs in the country.

Microsoft Class Server -- SharePoint Learning Kit

Microsoft is currently working on a SCORM 2004 compliant e-learning tool for Microsoft SharePoint 3.0 products and technologies named the SharePoint Learning Kit. This education-specific technology will replace Class Server in the next generation Microsoft Learning Gateway solution in early 2007. The SharePoint Learning Kit will run all of your Class Server content and will be available at no cost.

Second Life

Second Life provides a unique and flexible environment for educators interested in distance learning, computer supported cooperative work, simulation, new media studies, and corporate training. Students and Educators can work together in Second Life from anywhere in the world as part of a globally networked virtual classroom environment. Many universities and educational institutions are already using Second Life.

 
Note: See reviews of major platforms on WCET's EduTools site.