Content area
Full text
Several software users at Northeastern University sampled four distance learning software products. Here's what they foundplus a guide to the and features products functions.
Though Web-based training products will become more robust, less expensive, and easier to use with time, there are several solid ones available now that provide good value while helping lay the groundwork for better products.
Unfortunately, there's no "best" distance learning product. On the plus side, there are many products to choose from and, with few exceptions, most are good. But no one product is so outstanding that it justifies being everyone's choice. Here's a look at four products: LearningSpace from Lotus/IBM, LearnLinc I-Net from ILINC, LOIS from KnowledgeSoft, and Symposium from Centra Software. They represent only a sampling of what's available.
LearningSpace
Lotus Development Corporation
55 Cambridge Parkway
Cambridge, MA 02142
617.577.8500
www.lotus.com
LearningSpace uses the Lotus Notes/Domino technology for flexible course development. Developers and instructors can use one Notes client to author a course; learners can access the course with standard Web browsers. Notes/Domino handles security, collaboration tools, and application development tools easily.
LearningSpace is easy to learn and use. I was able to review a course schedule and course materials, participate in an interactive chat with other participants, and draw from the threaded discussions. The testing feature in the assessment module could be more robust, but it does provide the basics for objective tests and surveys. For this software, a course developer should be familiar with Lotus Notes.
LearningSpace provides course distribution and timing flexibility; learners can take courses at their convenience. Though that helps overcome time and space constraints,...