Supplementing the Learning Management System: Using Web 2.0 for Collaboration, Communication, and Productivity in the Preparation of School Technology Leaders

Terminology Used

Watson and Watson (2007) observed that the non-standardization of terminology such as content management system (CMS), learning management system (LMS), and various other names and acronyms for e-learning systems is confusing. Learning Management System and Course Management System have become interchangeable. Moodle is self-described as a “Course Management System (CMS), also known as a Learning Management System (LMS) or a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)” (Moodle.org, 2010). Blackboard now avoids any of these terms in their promotional literature and refers to its product as a “platform [emphasis added] for delivering learning content, engaging learners, and measuring their performance” (Blackboard Inc., 2010).

In this chapter, the authors will refer to a learning management system (LMS) as a system which instructors use to “provide their students with learning materials and activities while tracking participation and progress through data systems and assessments” (Falvo & Johnson, 2007, p. 40). The label Web 2.0 will be used as Oliver (2007) describes it: “an umbrella term for many individual tools that have been created with web collaboration, sharing, and/or new information creation in mind” (p. 55).