As those who follow the distance education technology scene know, the dominant LMSs (e.g., Blackboard/WebCT) have their share of detractors. One of the most common threads of criticism is its lack of currency not only in terms of tool-related technologies (e.g., RSS, mobile phone integration), but usability as well. Today, I was reminded again of why usability remains an issue. When I needed to do a quick search of the Discussion forums today, I found no search box. It seems to me that a readily identifiable Search box is a fundamental element for an LMS. Even if BB/Wct developers haven’t received a critical mass of feedback regarding this, it should be one of those default features added to the design specs.
Hi – sounds like you may be using an old version of LMS software? Most include search within discussion forums now I think.
RSS and mobile integrations are certainly problems though and it is interesting that 3rd party add-on tools seem to be ahead of the main developments in these areas.
Posted by igardner on December 2nd, 2008.