Differences Between E-Learning Vendors

Different Features of E-Learning Software Vendor Products

Investing in a Learning Management System to support your e-learning classes may be one of the most important decisions you need to make on behalf of your teachers and learners. There are many things to consider when making this choice in order to find the system with the right components for your needs. You will quickly find that there are big differences between e-learning vendors. Choosing a comprehensive e-learning solution like the IQity Learning Management Suite can simplify your search by providing a complete e-learning platform.

Tools For Collaboration

When choosing a learning management system, one of the main features to look for is collaborative tools. When teachers and students don't assemble together in a bricks-and-mortar classroom, it's important that your e-learning software enables them to work together, preferably in real time,

The IQity Learning Management Suite has an online whiteboard system called Liveboard that allows teachers and students to communicate just as if they were together in the classroom. The teacher can address the class through a webcast in the corner of the screen while simultaneously using e an online whiteboard just like a classroom chalkboard. Liveboard can also be used by the students as a tool for class participation and to do group projects.

IQity's Learning Management Suite includes an messaging system that is closed to outside users. This feature not only fosters secure communication and feedback between instructors and learners, but, because it is a closed system, prevents t cyberbullying or harassment from outside entities. It also eliminates potential distractions such as email from spammers or inappropriate messaging between students.

Interoperability

Another feature to consider is the interoperability of the learning management system. In other words, do all of the components work together seamlessly to enhance the learning experience? Here, too, you will find major differences between e-learning vendors, particularly when it comes to incorporating content into the e-learning classroom. With many e-learning vendors, teachers must find content on a separate web site and go through a laborious process to transfer it into the vendor's learning management system. Teachers will need to have at least two web browser windows open at once, one for the content provider and one for the e-learning software vendor. Incorporating content into the classroom involves switching back and forth between these sites, often many times if multiple lessons are involved.

In contrast, IQity users automatically get access to Reactor, a learning object repository that contains content for all K-12 grades and subjects. All content in Reactor has been reviewed by educational experts to assure it is aligned with state standards. Transferring content to the e-learning classroom is done with a simple "drag-and-drop" feature. Teachers never need to leave the IQity e-learning site.

Costs

In the current economic climate, every penny must be accounted for. This is especially true of schools, which parents and taxpayers hold accountable for results. Administrators will find significant differences between e-learning vendors when it comes to the cost of a learning management system. Some vendors charge hundreds of thousands of dollars in license fees for use of their e-learning software. Others sell software that is installed and maintained by the school, which entails higher costs for hardware and computer personnel to keep the system operational at all times, not just during regular school hours.

A much better choice is the IQity Learning Management Suite, because it is available to users at no cost. In addition the IQity Learning Management Suite is fully hosted, meaning that you are not responsible for IT costs including servers and staff to manage the product. IQity is free to schools and school districts. To see how your school can use IQity's e-Learning Management System, to request an online demonstration guided by one of our e-learning experts.