Introduction
The education sector has tried to catch up with the technological advancements. In a ploy to offer more affordable education and enhance cost effectiveness, learning institutions have embraced the myriad of options that technology offers. As such, virtual learning environments have become the virtual ‘classes’ of the modern era. A virtual learning environment is a software system that is intended to shore up learning and teaching in an education system. The platforms used provide equivalent virtual access to classrooms, class contents, homework, tests, assessments and grades. The marvel of virtual learning environments is the synchrony that allows the participants to meet in ‘real time’. The platforms allow teachers to conduct live lessons in virtual classrooms.
The sessions are interactive because the students can also communicate with the teacher through the use of microphones, writing on the board and chats. All this is enabled by the use of various open source and proprietary software. These systems are many in the market, and they are distinguished by their various properties. In recognition of this, the paper will critically review different open source and proprietary software. This report will discuss the functions, advantages, disadvantages, similarities and distinctions of the different software chosen for review.
Discussion
- Blackboard
The blackboard learning system, a curse management and virtual learning environment system was designed by blackboard Inc. The web-based server software features a convenient course management, scalable design and a customizable open architecture that allows the integration with authentication protocols and student information systems. The virtual learning environment software may be hosted by Blackboard Active Server Pages solutions or installed on local servers. The main purposes of these two attributes are adding online elements to courses that are traditionally delivered on a face-to-face basis (Rice, 2012, pp. 53). The software also aims to develop courses that are completely offered online with very few or virtually no meetings in person at all.
Functions and distinctions
Blackboard has the following functions and distinctions: -
- The software has an announcement tab where professors can post announcements for the consumption of students.
- The software has a chat function that allows students to chat in real time with their fellows when online.
- The software also has a discussion feature that allows teachers and students to create discussion threads.
- The software also features a grade book where professors and teachers can post grades for students to view.
- The assessment tab on the software allows professors to post exams and quizzes. This tab also enables the students to access the exams and quizzes via the internet.
- The software also has generic features like calendars that allow professors to set and communicate dates for their exams.
Advantages
The blackboard software has the following advantages: -
- The software is increasingly available for use by institutions.
- The many features incorporated in the software enable reliable and quick communication.
Disadvantages
The software has been faced with the following challenges: -
- Providing uninterrupted and seamless migration paths for users from one version of the software to another has been a challenge.
- It has been challenging for the software to maintain the appropriate scalability in order to enhanced increased level of usage.
- It has also been challenging for the software to meet the dynamic and ongoing demands of an expanding education market in addition to supporting its global customers.
- Saba
The Saba online classroom and web meeting software combines videoconferencing and world-class web with innovativeness in business social networking. This is done in a unified eLearning platform that uses cloud technology in order to drive real time virtual learning environment. The software has superior high definition and Voice over Internet Protocol capabilities. It also has capabilities to stream multiple simultaneous video streams that are optimized for use with low bandwidth. This enables users to hold interactive web meetings, interactive virtual eLearning and powerful webinars that are cost effective (Fee, 2009, pp.78).
Advantages of the Saba virtual learning environment software
The Saba online learning software enables one to increase productivity, extend the organization’s know-how globally, improve collaboration and save money by enjoying the following advantages.
- The users are able to use the integrated and reliable Voice over Internet Protocol capabilities for teleconferencing within the virtual learning environment.
- The software provides mobile online classrooms through the use of android services and iOS software platform. This is important especially for students who are on the move.
- The use of the software enables students and tutors to record and publish live events by the use of social networks and video-enabled channels.
- The software enables its users to conduct large scale, interactive and reliable webinars with real-time surveys and polls in a virtual learning environment.
- One can also attend the classroom sessions from mobile devices that have internet capabilities. This amplifies the concept of virtual learning environment.
Disadvantages of the Saba virtual learning environment software
The following are the disadvantages of the Saba virtual learning software: -
- The software is not entirely designed for virtual learning. It also encompasses features for use in webinars and video conferencing. Though it has the added capabilities, the software does not offer the best features of either.
- Compared to A-Tutor, the software is not easy to navigate. It requires specific technical skills. This implies that institutions purchasing this software have to train an extra individual in the interfaces and applications of the software. This incurs additional costs that are not implied when using other software for the same purpose. \
Distinctions
The ability of a product to stand out distinctively from the other products for the same use in the same market is the key to its success. The Saba software is distinctively different from other virtual learning environment software because of some unique features. Firstly, the software has incorporated Voice over Internet Protocols and high definition capabilities that enable the broadcast of multiple videos simultaneously. This enables users to engage in interactive video conferences and webinars. Secondly, the software can be used in mobile devices like iPhones and iPads. This enables virtuosity, convenience and mobility of the users.
- A Tutor
Originally designed as a virtual learning environment open source software for Toronto University in Canada, A Tutor has now expanded to incorporate other universities around the globe. The open source software has features that make it a cutting edge virtual learning environment software. Firstly, the theme feature enables an administrator to alter the look of the virtual learning environment without the need to create a new style sheet. Secondly, the software has an export feature to enable the transfer of material between systems. This feature is important when administering backups. As far as administration goes, the software incorporates an integrated inbox that enables inter-course communication by both the students or users and administrators (Bach, Haynes, & Smith, 2007, pp.35).
Advantages of the A Tutor Virtual learning environment software
The A Tutor virtual leaning environment software has the following advantages: -
- The software helps the administrator determine whether they are conforming to the present and future eLearning standards. This is especially important in the monitoring and evaluation of the standards of eLearning in the institution.
- The software also provides a link to other educational databases together in its download package.
- The software has an in-built glossary for use by the users. It features the meanings of various terms and acronyms used in the software.
- The software has a context sensitivity feature that facilitates course administrators to highlight certain section of text. This helps the users and administrators to seek additional help on the subject.
Disadvantages
A Tutor has the following disadvantages:-
- The software is not as easy to use when compared to Blackboard.
- The software does not have generic tools
Distinctions
The export feature is uniquely distinctive in the software package. It enables the transference of content between the various systems. The software also has a dynamic site mapping feature. This grows with the authoring of more courses into the system.
Comparison of the three systems
The systems reviewed above have both their advantages and disadvantages. The collaborative features incorporated in the learning environments in the systems vary in both usability and complexity. A Tutor is the only software that features an internal email system that allows course users and administrators to communicate. In my opinion, this is a very innovative and important feature in a virtual learning environment. This is because it enhances networking and collaboration between the users. Of the three systems, A Tutor has the best blend of usability, sophistication and a wide range of feature. Administratively, A Tutor is easy to install, configure and execute. Its control panel is also laid out in an intuitive manner. Of the three systems, A Tutor also featured the most tools.
References
Bach, S., Haynes, P., & Smith, J. L. 2007. Online learning and teaching in higher education. Maidenhead, Open University Press.
Fee, K. 2009. Delivering E-Learning A Complete Strategy For Design, Application And Assessment. London, Kogan Page.
Rice, W. 2012. Blackboard essentials for teachers build and deliver great courses using this popular learning management system. Birmingham, Packt Pub.
