Rise of Discussion on Changing Learning or Course Management Systems

This article came into being while searching and reflecting on materials that would provide campuses some assistance in conducting their learning management system or course management system evaluations.

Since the California State University (CSU) system finished the RFP process in early 2009, some of the CSU campuses have engaged or are engaging in determing their next generation LMS. But it appears no matter where I go, BbWorld 09 in Washington, DC or the "2-3-98" Conference in New York, the discussion of colleges and universities evaluating their next LMS is a very hot topic. There is a new Google group: cms-options@googlegroups.com to discuss the options and approaches to doing an LMS evaluation. Also the WICHE/WCET organization has a group that is building a wiki on all issues to consider and things you want to know while managing your LMS/CMS selection or evaluation process. It's not yet ready to be released to the general public but we are working on it.

I found the following article by Michael Feldstein very good:
http://mfeldstein.com/advice-for-small-schools-on-the-lms-selection-process/

Of course, the recent acquistion of Angel by Blackboard, continues to feed this discussion. Certainly the EDUCAUSE CIO list had a large discussion thread on this same topic when the acquisiton was first announced.

Because each campus has its own governing committees and processes, every evaluation is run differently. Many of the evaluation processes are not documented or there are documents that do not provide the full context of the decision-making processes and so campuses may not be willing to share them publically.

But if your campus does have a public web site with information about their LMS/CMS evaluation process and/or decision-making process. We are interested in hearing from you. Create a comment and list your URL.

Thanks.
-Kathy
Director of CSU LMS System-wide Initiatives