Reflections on the LMS

Everywhere I look I see constraints, control, and powerlessness for those who would do the learning . I also see a bloated multi-tiered hierarchy of access restrictions to functionality that affects the ability of instructors to customise and to design.  At times it almost seems that instructors are as powerless over the system as the students they seek to engage with.

If we, as educators, are indeed striving to inspire and empower learners to contemplate their own ideas, and thus explore the myriad of avenues, channels and tangents that add depth to their experiences, then the environments in which they learn - and the networks they form - are absolutely critical.  Environments should be as flexible and accommodating as the learning experiences they seek to facilitate.  As such I question how effective learning management systems are in achieving this.

That said though, I am actively trying (albeit unsuccessfully) to approach this experience objectively.  So anyone with thoughts, opinions or experiences that are contrary to this are encouraged to speak up.  Diversity is a good thing after all. Read more at techticker.net