The use of learning management systems in Engineering Education: A Swedish case study

Abstract

New technology creates many new teaching and learning possibilities but at the same time places great demands on teachers and learners (Scott, 2001). In March 2002 the Swedish government created the Net University to stimulate and mediate net based learning in higher education. SEK600 million was set aside to be distributed between universities who supported e-learning initiatives. Of the total amount SEK500 million was given directly to universities who offered e-learning courses via the Swedish Net University. Some of this material was packaged in a pedagogically sound way and reflected well on teachers educational designers who cared about and understood the special requirements of e-learners. Unfortunately other material consisted of course notes and lectures that were simply downloaded with a great deal of thought for the learner. More recently the Net University has seen the need for more interactive courses that make use of commercial learning management systems (hereafter LMS). LMS such as BlackBoard, WebCT, Fronter, Ping Pong and others provide a way for teachers and learners to arrange course materials in a clear and helpful way as well as providing useful interactive teaching and learning tools. In early 2006 it hopes to be able to recommend that participating universities use one particular LMS in order to gain the greatest pedagogical and economical benefit for the universities and their teachers and learners. The recommendation follows an exhaustive evaluation process.