In a distance learning environment, a powerful online delivery and interfacing system is crucial to attract learners and ensure coverage of learning objectives. Conventionally, distance learning institutes for higher education have the options of using proprietary software such as Blackboard or free software such as Moodle. However these conventional systems are slow to catch up with latest development in the free, open platforms. The proprietary system is costly. Both proprietary and free software required administrators to upgrade the software version every 2 to 3 years. Interfacing with external portals, software and APPS are difficult for these conventional systems.
The idea of adopting Facebook as an alternative to conventional learning management system (LMS) is not new, however it is more compelling now for distance learning institute to quickly adopt the free platform. Malaysian government is actively advocating the free platform. It is a matter of time when recommendation becomes mandatory. Facebook has several distinctive advantages. First of all, users immediately enjoy wide coverage, large database pool and easy interface with other portals, software and APPS. Institutes do not have to incur high maintenance cost and software upgrade is transparent to users.
The paper will end with a demonstration on a Facebook page which can be populated like any other LMS’ and shows how superior Facebook is to learning as compared to the current LMS. We will highlight on the issues pertaining to security, the ease of interfacing with supporting material, the availability of Facebook to students and online communication.
Material type
Electronic
Notes
Paper presented at the 30th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (26-29 October 2016 : Manila, Philippines)
Adopting Facebook as an alternative learning management system (LMS) in the delivery of distance learning programmes
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AdoptingFacebook
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