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The open learning management system (LMS) landscape continues to change at a rapid pace. Many educational institutions are moving from proprietary LMS solutions (Blackboard, Desire2Learn) to open solutions (Moodle, Sakai, Canvas). However, can Sakai and Canvas compete with the proverbial 800 pound Open LMS guerrilla – Moodle? The verdict is still out; but it is clear that many secondary and post-secondary institutions are finding Sakai and Canvas to be a better fit.

If you are currently evaluating LMSs, consider the following criteria when deciding on best fit:

• User Experience
• Tools and Feature Set (Chatrooms, Discussion Boards, Messaging, Email, Galleries, Virtual Whiteboards, Calendar, Survey, Voting, Assessment)
• Platform Development Technology
• Reliability
• Support
• Mobile Learning
• Analytics
• Scalability
• Integration with your current Student Information System
• Company Reputation
• Best Value
• Future Outlook

In addition, carefully consider these common features: (1) availability to host on the cloud; (2) peak load management; (3) development technology; (4) integrated learning outcomes; (5) mobile applications; (6) accessibility; (7) integration of state standards (k12); ( browser support; (9) ePortfolio; (10) online student storage; (11) resource gallery; (12) SCORM compliance; (13) integration with third party add-ins; and (14) multimedia support.

Sakai in Higher Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Rutgers, University of Delaware, Wake Forest University, Pepperdine University, Boston University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, New York University (NYU), Northwestern University, Rice University, Seton Hall University, Stanford University, Tufts University, University of Dayton, University of Notre Dame, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University

Sakai in K-12

Graham and Charles Schools (Columbus, Ohio), Minisink Valley Central School District (Slate Hill, NY), Huron Valley Schools, Ohio Learning Network, Oregon City School District

Canvas in Higher Education

New Mexico State University, Utah Valley University, Brown University

Canvas in K-12

Utah Education Network (UEN), Park City School District, Rockingham County School District,
Cottonwood High School, Granite School District, Jordan School District, Davis School District,
Tooele County School District, Nebo School District, Murray School District, SUCCESS Academy,
City Academy

According to company press releases, Sakai has a user-installed base of more than 300 institutions and Canvas has more than 100. This past month, Instructure released Canvas K-12 with specific features including pre-populated state standards and common core curriculum, parental co-enrollment, attendance, and curriculum mapping. Web conferencing and social media settings are disabled by default.

Finding the correct LMS is a challenge and just when you think that you have a solid understanding of the LMS landscape, it changes.

Resources:

http://www.moodle.org
http://www.instructure.com
http://www.sakaiproject.org

Submitted By: Kevin Andreyo, Berks County Intermediate Unit

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