Evaluating Learning Management Systems

This chapter maintains that the use of multimedia content in Web-based instruction—facilitated by the proliferation and standardization of learning management systems (LMSs)—calls for the extension of traditional multimedia design and evaluation guidelines to the Web. The compliance with these guidelines needs to be thoroughly evaluated by any institution using (or planning to use) Web-based learning management systems. In addition to providing criteria and examples for the evaluation of these systems, the chapter discusses survey questions that can be used for university-wide assessments of the design effectiveness of technologies that support learning. As an example, the proposed evaluation instrument is applied to a learning management system developed at a large university in the United States. While the assessment refers to one system, the model, and the instructional and design evaluation criteria are built for use in any organization conducting a formative and summative evaluation or a selection of learning technologies. IGI PUBLISHING This paper appears in the publication, Web-Based Education and Pedagogical Technologies: Solutions for Learning Applications edited by L. Esnault © 2008, IGI Global 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.igi-global.com ITB15166