Content Management Systems
In this summary the main focus is on content management systems and to understand it better. We will benefit from three content management systems as following: Dokeos (www.dokeos.com), Nicenet (www.nicenet.org), and Moodle (www.moodle.org).
First of all, Dokeos is one of the largest and most famous content management systems. SCORM open source learning environment is the main product of this system which is used many users all over the world. The products of Dokeos supply learning management that includes “SCORM import, edit and export, social interaction, sophisticated test and surveys”, Oogie Rapid Learning that “build SCORM courses online from templates, from PowerPoint...”, Accurate reporting which is for you to “export to Excel, Business Objects...”, and Videoconferencing which helps “virtual meeting and virtual classroom for live training sessions”. It has version for free for the users but it is composed of just Learning Management System and SCORM and surveys reporting. In order to use the other qualitative features we should pay required money.
Second, Nicenet is a web based classroom. The members of the groups can share information and ask questions to provide further assistance. It is kind of computer mediated conferencing system and in that way is resembles combination e-mail and bulletin board. If we want to have or attend a special for us and our group members we need to have a private password or code. There is a part for new-comers and it helps the students join a new class and the teachers to create a new class. It is a kind of internet classroom assistant and the features of it are as following: Conferencing which helps us create our own conference between us and our students, scheduling that helps us be able to schedule our class and assignments i.e. so that people can see upcoming events, document sharing which is for students and instructors to publish their work in HTML format without knowing what it is, personal messaging which resemble classical email apart from the other featured characteristics, and lastly link sharing which enables us to share links among our class. However, Nicenet has some disadvantages. For example, you can share images or files which are already on internet; that is you cannot attach and post the files that is on your PC. I think, one of the good sides of this tool is its being free to use.
Last one is Moodle which is a content management system and freely available open source software package and it has been designed according to pedagogical principles in education. It helps the teachers create effective online learning environments and new online rich contented courses. There are so many users all over the world, because it is systematical and well-organized. Moreover, we can participate in international discussions, and it has featured plug-ins: Activities, resource types, question types, data field types (for the database activity), graphical themes, authentication methods, enrollment methods, and content filters. It provides both students and teachers with adjustable learning environment. Furthermore, we can adapt Moodle in accord with our educational needs.