{"id":61123,"date":"2018-07-13T10:17:49","date_gmt":"2018-07-13T15:17:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/instructional\/?p=61123"},"modified":"2018-07-31T09:55:20","modified_gmt":"2018-07-31T14:55:20","slug":"ted-tips-issue-2-what-is-the-difference-between-a-learning-management-system-lms-and-a-digital-learning-environment-dle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/instructional\/2018\/07\/13\/ted-tips-issue-2-what-is-the-difference-between-a-learning-management-system-lms-and-a-digital-learning-environment-dle\/","title":{"rendered":"TED Tips \u2013 Issue 2: What is the difference between a Learning Management System (LMS) and a Digital Learning Environment (DLE)?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Almost every university uses a learning management system (LMS).\u00a0 Think of a learning management system as the software infrastructure or the online website that delivers the \u201cstuff\u201d of a particular course. \u00a0An LMS can be used to present content, provide information, and manage administrative duties.\u00a0 It may be helpful at tracking enrollments, attendance and grades.\u00a0 The approach of an LMS often emphasizes technology \u2013 it is a \u201cmanagement\u201d system.\u00a0 What a Learning Management System does not often emphasize is facilitating learning.<\/p>\n

In contrast, there is another approach, a \u201cDigital Learning Environment\u201d (DLE).\u00a0 This approach is also known as \u201cThe Next Generation Digital Learning Environment\u201d (NGDLE).\u00a0 The scope no longer contains a single application \u2013 but an ecosystem that supports higher education.\u00a0 Multiple technologies and services meet a variety of learning needs with a greater emphasis on flexibility.\u00a0 It should be less a \u201cone size fits all\u201d but a set of tools based on common standards.<\/p>\n

The University of Wisconsin System is also moving away from an LMS and towards a DLE.\u00a0 The approach should be against the implementation of a required technology solution, but more in favor of creating a flexible set of services and tools that support teaching and learning.<\/p>\n

To quote the University of Wisconsin System DLE strategy:<\/p>\n

Our DLE is not a learning management system (LMS).\u00a0 Rather, our DLE is a federated, online environment that includes services and tools purposefully brought together to support the needs of teaching and learning in all modes (i.e., face-to-face, blended\/hybrid, and fully online).\u00a0 Our DLE challenges the traditional role of an LMS as \u201cthe\u201d platform for managing course documents, quizzes, videos, and the like.\u00a0 By shifting our perspective from an LMS-based content platform, to a \u201cdigital environment\u201d that creates information we can act upon, UW System can then realize the many benefits of an interoperable suite of services and tools that allow us to maximize student access and success.\u00a0 https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/dle\/strategy\/<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This allows the UW system to integrate tools through a common platform while creating and easy point of entry, a secure sign-on leveraging our \u201cfederated\u201d identity, and services that communicate to each other while ensuring appropriate security and privacy.\u00a0 Instructors will have the freedom to apply these tools to their teaching to support their students learning.<\/p>\n

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next generation digital learning can take many forms.<\/p><\/div>\n

Underlying this belief are five key characteristics that define the UW System Digital Learning Environment. I will explore these characteristics in more detail in the coming weeks as part of this blog.\u00a0 For now, I want to introduce the characteristics as the drivers behind the project.<\/p>\n