I think the two most important selection criteria for a course management system would be how easy it is to work the program and the cost.
Flexibility and ease of use
The two most important features? 1. Price and 2. Ease of Use
The two most important selection criteria for us will be: (1) Ease of use and (2) cost.
In general, functionality and reliability requirements need to be balanced with the cost associated with deployment and maintenance of such system. The following criteria are to be considered when selecting LMS: ease of use, availability of 24/7 support, and cost.
I would definatly consider the cost as an important criteria and along with that I would consider the overall pros and cons. I think mager planning and oraganization and questions should be written down and discussed and maybe voted on.
One criteria must be getting the most for the individual school needs for what amount of money. There's much to consider, including annual cost, updating fees, cost per student versus a one-time licensing fee, whether to use in-house IT or to use the total support of the LMS. This module has loads of information to assess LMS providers. The more research done with investigating cost-for-service will benefit.
Another criteria relates to the service provided tailored to the needs of the school. It will be wise to do serious research work starting with the most popular providers. If possible, contact schools with systems already in use. Ask about what services they provide. Any issues? Online Google searches of complaints against these systems could anticipate similar issues.
After reviewing a number of systems I choose eCollege for a number of reasons. However the two most important were cost and ability to deliver the content that would be user friendly to the student and would measure course outcomes and instructor capability. Since using the platform, I am pleasantly surprised at the wealth of information it provides on the administrative end. This information is delivered in "real time" and allows the school to make immediate course changes or additions and advise the instructor on student engagement.
Two considerations are important, ease of use and cost effective. I agree that Moodle is a very good one software.
Successful technologies for higher education provide integrated software applications that support both instructors and students.
Two selection criteria for choosing a course management system:
1. Ease of implementation & use
2. Cost
I agree that easy to use and cost are important drivers; but because each institution has different needs it is also important to consider the "must have" features into the selection process.
User friendly and excellent technical support.
For our school, cost would be first since this is groundbreaking in our area, then ease of use for the students. Some of our students have no computer experience so the program must be easy for a beginner to follow.
Cost, ease and expansion. I think these are surely the top two and three here. Certainly a school needs to consider what the cost will be. For a small school this is ideal. Also students need to be able to navigate with ease on a system. The more user friendly the more comfortable the student feels navigating within the LMS.
Hi Mark!
I agree. Moodle has many possibilities. I am not sure on the cost of this system but from my experience you can navigate with ease and it is very user friendly, which is a big plus for students getting into an online program for the first time.
As Faculty Coordinator and also have worked as an online instructor, I think 2 important selection criteria are/is:
1.) What tools the instructor has access to "behind the scenes" i.e., grade book(s), statistical data, exam/quiz creation.
2.) And of course if this were a new implementation at my campus, budget and costs $$$$.
I would first easy of working with CMS, second cost and support and upgrade cirteria.
What else should I be looking for?
It should be easy to use for both students and instructors. The other factor is cost...
Cost and user friendliness. Short learning curve for instructors and students.
