According to Wikipedia – A learning management system (commonly abbreviated as LMS) is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of training programs, classroom and online events, e-learning programs, and training content.

Everybody is talking about them. Everybody else seems to have one – so which one should I get?

There are a variety of choices out there. Using an analogy for buying cars, there is everything from the Nissan Micra to the Mercedes S class. Each one has their own advantages and disadvantages and not everybody will choose the same one because their circumstances are different. That said, if money was no object, you would always strive to get the best high quality product. I know if I could afford it I would be driving a Merc!

With all due respect intended, if you are a school, primary or secondary, you will not have the same budget to spend on these sort of things as a college will have. If you could afford it, you more than likely would, but reality sets limitations. In Ireland the higher education institutions have chosen either Moodle or Blackboard, practically an even split between the two products. Ignoring all other similar options. Going back to my earlier analogy with cars, these two systems are the Mercedes of learning management systems.  Just looking at these two from  schools perspective; Blackboard can be incredibly expensive for the average school to run, whereas Moodle is “open source”. While the product itself is free, the cost is incurred by the hosting of the system and the general management. This to me is where the NCTE should come in. Nearly 100 schools across the country have set up their own moodle. With the help of the NCTE many more could follow. They have the resources, in terms of infrastructure and expertise. Finally the ICT resources are coming into the classroom. My advice don’t stop there – get the Mercedes.

To find out more about what moodle can offer please click the link below

http://bit.ly/cQbpqu