Introduction
The role of learning management systems (LMS) has been increasing over the years, and the progress that has been shown is enormous. Current LMS in GU needs to be replaced because it can be viewed as outdated and lacks critical features. The administration must acknowledge the fact that a new system should be flexible to meet the demands of students. It is reasonable to review and analyze literature on this subject matter to get a better understanding of the latest developments and approaches that are commonly used.
Discussion
The implementation of a new LMS is a macro project in this case. A broad range of software programs that can alter the learning process is currently available, and they vary in price and effectiveness. Moodle is a system that needs to be selected in this case because it has many advantages over the ones offered by competitors. Integration with Google services is extremely helpful, and the support of gamification features is also a tremendous benefit (Rice, 2015).
One of its weaknesses is that course bundles are not provided, but it is possible to eliminate this limitation because GU already has well-developed content that may be utilized. It is reasonable to hire an external professional that can help with the implementation of the system and may guide internal specialists throughout the whole process.
The project is initially aimed at Nursing Graduates, and all their needs must be acknowledged. One of the benefits of this approach is that it will be possible to address some of the weaknesses of the system and address areas that are problematic. It will go through several stages of testing to avoid bugs and malfunctions, but student feedback is crucial and appropriate modifications should be made to improve the experience for every party involved.
The problem is that some educators may not be prepared for such dramatic changes because they are used to standard techniques. They must understand how to create content that would attract the attention of students because it is suggested that video and audio files increase the level of engagement and enhance (Dias, Diniz, & Hadjileontiadis, 2013). Technical staff may also have to deal with several challenges because they have no experience with this type of system in the past (Schmoller, 2014).
Standardization must be considered in this situation to make sure that all software programs are compatible with each other and technological barriers are reduced. Training needs analysis can be conducted to assess if any gaps in knowledge are present, and a program aimed at the reduction of current weaknesses may be developed.
Micro projects are also incredibly important and should be discussed. Students must be able to gain access to the system all over the globe. Therefore, it is reasonable to provide several translations to avoid issues related to language barriers. It is suggested that the database needs to be open, but it is necessary to ensure that aspects related to privacy are acknowledged. Personal information should not be collected because numerous complications can be introduced in case of data leakage. Such techniques as login verification via SMS may be considered to guarantee safety. Another micro project is focused on the development of a student portal.
Moreover, this is a necessary measure because the current version of the website is not as efficient as it should be and cannot be integrated with Moodle. Additionally, many individuals argue that it is hard to navigate, and complaints about issues such as scrolling lag on some pages also must be considered. Therefore, the student portal must be revised and aligned with the current long-term objectives of the organization. Server capacity can be increased to avoid complications that may interfere with the educational process. The biggest shortcoming of online courses is that communication with peers is rather limited, and it is nearly impossible to establish long-term relationships (Crawley, 2012).
The website will include message boards that students and educators may use for discussion. Numerous possibilities are available in this case, and should not be disregarded. Individuals may create communities focused on particular subjects or topics. Students should not be afraid to voice their opinions, and this approach should help to facilitate interactions. It will be possible to ask questions and feedback received from peers may change the perspective on learning. It is reasonable to consider the fact that individuals with disabilities will request the support of alternative input modes, and it is important to take such factors into account.
The ability to view all the required information such as schedules and grades with the use of devices is vital, and two solutions are possible in this situation. First of all, it is reasonable to develop a mobile version of the website. Another choice is to introduce an application. The first solution seems much more appropriate because most apps support iOS and Android, and individuals that use such operating systems as Windows Phone will be left out.
The process is relatively fast and cheap most of the time. Mobify is a company that provides a broad range of tools that may be used to convert the website. Additionally, the firm provides other services as traffic tracking and suggests that it is possible to launch a project over six weeks (Mena, 2016). Therefore, it would be beneficial to consult with the organization to receive valuable advice regarding LMS.
One of the most significant benefits of this system is that it will be possible to analyze all the stored data and evaluate the progress that students make. Analytics are incredibly important, but it is reasonable to take all necessary measures to ensure that confidential data cannot be accessed without permission. Assessment is a crucial part of the process, and it will be possible to determine aspects of learning that may be altered to enhance the performance. Evaluations will be much easier because grades for all students can be automatically calculated. It is paramount to note that the project has enormous growth potential and can be expanded in the future. Furthermore, it will be possible to introduce innovative learning techniques because Moodle is flexible and frequently updated.
Conclusion
In summary, it is important to state that the project is predicted to be successful in the long-term because all the latest technologies are utilized, and any difficulties during the process of implementation are not expected. Nevertheless, a well-developed schedule and planning are of utmost importance. An experienced team will deal with all the challenges and complications related to the project. The most attention should be devoted to compatibility to ensure that most modern devices are supported. Overall, new LMS may be implemented in seven months or sooner without any significant risks.
References
Crawley, A. (2012). Supporting online students: A practical guide to planning, implementing, and evaluating services. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Dias, S. B., Diniz, J. A., & Hadjileontiadis, L. J. (2013). Towards an intelligent learning management system under blended learning: Trends, profiles, and modeling perspectives. New York, NY: Springer Science & Business Media.
Mena, J. (2016). Data mining mobile devices. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Rice, W. (2015). Moodle e-learning course development (3rd ed.). Birmingham, UK: Packt Publishing.
Schmoller, S. (2014). Selecting a learning management system: Advice from an academic perspective. Web.