Every industry develops its own vocabulary. That vocabulary is frequently full of acronyms. Education is no different. The education industry has recognized the potential of the world wide web and the prevalence of personal computers as a logical next step in the dissemination of instruction.
The first acronym in this veritable alphabet soup is VLE or virtual learning environment. As the name implies, this is a learning environment that happens in cyberspace rather than the conventional classroom. This is closely followed by PLE or personal learning environment. This implies a system whereby the learner directs the path his learning will take.
Next is LMS. This is a learner management system. This system originated in the commercial sector. Learner management systems are geared toward the individual learner in much the same way as the PLE. The learner is able to set his or her own pace.
The most often used acronym in elearning is CMS or course management system. Some confusion exists here, as CMS can also be used to refer to a content management system. As a course management system a CMS would handle all the tasks and materials necessary to manage a class of students within a set time frame. A CMS handles registering students, assigning students to classes, managing assignments and recording and reporting grades. In addition, student resources can be included.
The final acronym currently in use is LCMS, or learner content management system. Developed primarily for military instruction, this system adds an LMS to a content management system. In this way, small packets of instruction that can be reused in multiple teaching applications can be stored in a content library. These packets are called RLO's or reusable learning objects.
Resources:
Awidi,I. (2008). Critical factors in selecting a course management system for higher education in Ghana. Retrieved on August 5, 2010 from http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolulm/CriticalFactorsinSelectingaCou/162513
Cormier,D. (2009). How to choose the right cms for education. Retrieved on August 5, 2010 from http://davecormier.com/edblog/2009/01/27/how-to-choose-the-right-cms-for-education/
I enjoy reading your writing style, clear and informative!
ReplyDeleteYou have explained several acronyms of the ever growing alphabet soup picture cut up into jigsaw puzzle all founded in Learning Management Systems, with such easy.
I will follow your blog.
Thank you
I liked the way you broke it down with all of the different acronyms. In education there are so many to learn and then remember what significance they have to us individually. I keep saying we need a notebook just to keep it all down and have it refer back to when we need to. Your writing flows smoothly and is easy to read. I look forward to seeing what you have to say as this class progresses. Thanks!
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