Abstract
In the spirit of futurist probes into what a next-gen learning management system (LMS) may look like, the author uses a sci-fi scenario to touch on some distant possibilities. This fictional work follows J4 in his quest to break into the Fulcrum Arena and emerge with the information and strategic relationships he needs to achieve mysterious aims.
This story envisions a learning space that integrates various databases, global positioning systems (GPS), and other technologies into an integrated digital enclosure. It focuses on informational elites, those who have the rawest and freshest information, vs. those who get processed versions through public channels. Here, identities are persistent and coalesced through information collected by ‘bots. The learning is all strategic, it’s immersive, and it directly applies to the lived world.
Type of Material:
Open journal article
Recommended Uses:
The story could be used to spark discussion in a variety of learning situations; for example, in digital literacy courses, history and culture of the Internet, public policy, Iaw, government, and studies in gender and race, among others.
Technical Requirements:
None
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Discover the possibilities of the next generation of LMS.
Target Student Population:
This scenario could be used on all levels of learning from faculty to undergraduate student. However, it would require some decoding for those less familiar with how the Internet works or with weaker reading skills.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Familiarity with how the Internet functions relative to privacy as well as with its vocabulary. Basic understanding of LMSs.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This story is detailed and well-conceived. Though written in 2007, it is certainly pertinent today (2014).
Concerns:
There is no evidence that this was written for pedagogical purposes. This reviewer is suggesting use as a case study.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Rather than lecturing on possible dystopian futures, this story brings it to life, providing intriguing bits of detail over a broad range of possible contributing variables while leaving a lot of room for elaboration and discussion.
Concerns:
It would helpful to have questions that would support analysis and/or discussion for others to use.
Both the title and abstract contain the terms “Next Generation LMS” which, while pertinent to the JOLT special issue from which it comes, hide the other broader uses of the subject matter. It would be helpful to revise the description in the Material Detail view to clarify this.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The resource is an article, readable in any browser.
Concerns:
Because this is a story, many of the criteria above do not apply.
Creative Commons:
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