1. The document summarizes research conducted in 2006 on the characteristics of next generation course/learning management systems (NG-CMS). 2. Researchers interviewed faculty, students, and administrators at 7 universities to understand shortcomings of current CMS platforms and requirements for future systems. 3. Consistent findings included compatibility issues across browsers/devices and opportunities to improve gradebook functionality and interface usability. Proposed features for NG-CMS included intelligent agents, integrated portfolio/SIS systems, and mobile access.

1. Next Generation C/LMS: 2006 Research Study Ali Jafari , Ph.D. IUPUI Colleen Carmean , ABD Arizona State University Patricia McGee , Ph.D. University of Huston in San Antonio

2. Introduction and Acknowledgments Research Procedure Research Findings Reflections on NG-CMS

3. Background Initiated as the research theme and project to follow up on current questions Undertaken during Jafari sabbatical Continuation of book project collaboration; Course Management Systems For Learning; beyond accidental pedagogy

4. Research Procedure Visited a select number of campuses for one to one and group focus interviews Faculty Group ; adjuncts, instructors, and professors (59) Student Group ; both on and off campus (52) Admin/Professional Group : Provost, Deans, CIO, IT Directors/Managers, Technology Support, Instructional Support, Librarians (51)

5. Research Procedure … Seven campuses visited: One- two day extensive visits Two or three researchers attended each visit Less than 10% of interviews conducted via video conferencing

6. Research Procedure Participating campuses for onsite interviews: Bowling Green University Eastern Michigan University Pierce University SUNY Brockport California State University at Monterey Bay University of Central Florida University of Wyoming

7. Research Funding Thanks to the following institutions for supporting our travel expenses: eCollege Inc. ANGEL Learning Inc. Bowling Green State University California State University at Monterey Bay University of Central Florida

8. Research Questions Characteristics and shortcomings of the current teaching and learning systems (more specifically the CMS platforms) being used on campus Functional and technical requirements for the next generation of teaching and learning (beyond CMS)

9. Consistent Findings Compatibility issues: Brower differences in look and feel LMS: Not all tools within a system work well with different browser /platform/ versions of OS Grade book (student + Faculty) limited in feature needs and usability User Interface (Usability): Navigation (student + faculty) Room for improvement in intuitive aspects

10. Findings Proposed new ideas for the Next Generation of CMS. Smart system Intelligent agents (faculty & students ) have the system do some of the work for me. Environment Inclusive package (CMS + ePortfolio + SIS) Archival and storage options Share and acess outside of the course Multi-modal Multimedia communication channels Audio / Video (faculty) - use of audio or video to response to students email. Mobile - New Types of Access (students) Use of SMS to let me know about assignment due

11. A “learner centered” framework design The system is technically designed around a person (learner) rather than a course or contents (CMS/LMS) Support multiply roles beyond learning (career, professional life, retirement) NG-CMS Characteristics

12. A “smart” environment being able to think, reason, and act on behave of the person. Intelligent agent acting as a classmate Intelligent agent acting as a personal secretary, administrative assistant or helper Intelligent agent acting as a subject mater expert NG-CMS Characteristics

13. Offer global “social networking” services for: Collaborative learning, teaching, and research Connecting, creating, sharing Intellectual exchange / trade NG-CMS Characteristics

14. NG-LMS: It looks like Web 2! Connect Create Collaborate Combine Comment Critique

15. Next Generation Learning Environments Social Dynamic Learner-centered Umbrella of tools Portfolio framework