The downtime between classes has actually provided me with a couple topics to write about. First of all, as some of you have read in previous posts, Norwich University uses the Blackboard learning system. Blackboard is a company that develops software applications and platforms which are used in distance learning environments. I had never used Blackboard before I got to Norwich, and thought it was somewhat clunky even though it worked fine and served a good purpose.
We were notified last week that Norwich would be switching to the
ANGEL Learning System. ANGEL looks to be more robust and in terms of the information that can be accessed and more “modern” in the look and aesthetics. I am sure it will be a pleasure to use it. With only three classes left in my program, it’s nice to see a change.
While a commercial application, ANGEL embodies an open source approach to the product line. ANGEL publishes their database schema and documents their APIs to allow an organization to extend the system and integrate it into other products. This provides a lot of flexibility to the school in the way course material is delivered. This is also very good news. Open source is the way to go.
The learning system we used at Kaplan University was nice as well, but if my memory serves me, it was a proprietary system. I had read a lot about Blackboard and other systems, but never had the opportunity to use those until I got to Norwich.
In other news, Norwich University has a
“Featured Bio” with my face all over it. At the time of this writing, it is current. I am not sure how often they change it, but I am the one up there now.
Do you have any questions about distance education or anything in this post? Feel free to contact Scott anytime!