ET650 - LMS Comparison

BlackBoard - For a technologically literate instructor, setting up BlackBoard would be relatively simple. However, for people without a strong computing background, they could very likely need support. Well, BlackBoard has support and a lot of it. It also is very consistent in its menus, appearance, the lack of control gives it a familiarity that might provide students and instructors with some sense of security. It is no wonder that many academic institutions and corporations have integrated it. If a school or company wanted to be more innovative and/or wanted to save some money, then BlackBoard would obviously not be the choice.

PostNuke - This LMS allows the instructor ultimate control. The design, placement of elements, and its ability to be expanded makes it a dynamic tools. Unfortunately, the support and document is not thorough. Non-techie instructors would struggle with implementation. If a district, college, or corporation were to integrate PostNuke they would need to hire a consultant to assisit with the process and keep he/she on call for support as needed.

I would like to thank Distance-Educator.com webmaster and guru Vanessa for setting me up with PostNuke and answering my questions.

Learning Management Systems Comparison Dan McDowell ET650 Distance Education Dr. Fred Saba, SDSU Educational Technology Department
Main Menu • Introduction Features Reviewed • Administration • Look and Feel • Adding Students • Posting Content • Downloads • Forums • Annoucements • Support • Conclusion Other • ET650 • Ed Tech Dept. • SDSU • Dan's Home Page	Conclusion
	BlackBoard - For a technologically literate instructor, setting up BlackBoard would be relatively simple. However, for people without a strong computing background, they could very likely need support. Well, BlackBoard has support and a lot of it. It also is very consistent in its menus, appearance, the lack of control gives it a familiarity that might provide students and instructors with some sense of security. It is no wonder that many academic institutions and corporations have integrated it. If a school or company wanted to be more innovative and/or wanted to save some money, then BlackBoard would obviously not be the choice. PostNuke - This LMS allows the instructor ultimate control. The design, placement of elements, and its ability to be expanded makes it a dynamic tools. Unfortunately, the support and document is not thorough. Non-techie instructors would struggle with implementation. If a district, college, or corporation were to integrate PostNuke they would need to hire a consultant to assisit with the process and keep he/she on call for support as needed. I would like to thank Distance-Educator.com webmaster and guru Vanessa for setting me up with PostNuke and answering my questions.
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Written and designed by Dan McDowell. Last Update: December 9, 2003