Wk 2 Reading Activity 8 – What Do CMS/LMS Cost?

This article is a real eye opener. My district spend millions of Moodle and it is under served. I did not know the cost associated with the Moodle and I am taken back a little. It surprises me that even with the cost of the LMS, it still is beneficial in ways that are more than financial. Large corporations have the time and money to invest because their vision does not necessarily change within the 18 month timeframe needed to develop a moderate system. That is where the LMS and CMS differ. GOT IT.



Another amazing journey is the course layout for Fullsail. It is truly a process that has been proven to allow for change, error, and assessment. I like that the process involves using the input of other levels of management and also the students prior to implementation. Clearly, every course has been examined and human hours can not be readily accounted for if the class is not approved. The article takes on an approach of success of a ventured LMS but I don't really think you can account for failed ventures. Energy and time are always under rated when the total cost is established.

Potential Venture costs calculations are eye opening. Here is the sample from the readings. Step One: Assumptions Item

Assumptions

1.1) Life Span of Course - 3 years

1.2) Total Number of Students - 800

1.3) Student Learning Time in Classroom - 14 hours

1.4) Reduction in Seat Time- 50%

1.5) Burdened Compensation for Instructor - $304 p/d

1.6) Burdened Compensation for Student - $164 p/d

This is only Step one of a five step Process. What a job developers have. I could not have imagined the amount of pre-planning and forecasting that is necessary prior to any birth of a course or training. What I do see as beneficial is the train the trainer model. That is cost efficient all around. I see this model being used somewhat effectively with the Reading and Math Coaches. They are trained and then they bring the information back to their campus.



Brandon hall also has a process to analyze low costs for LMS that seem to be a bit more real. Unfortunately the information on the sites are two years old so maybe this system is being phased out or just no new information is necessary.


http://www.brandon-hall.com/free_resources/feature_scope.shtml
http://www.brandon-hall.com/publications/lclms/lclms.shtml