As part of the search for a new learning management system (LMS), we reviewed several surveys from 2009 that included faculty and student feedback on SPARK. A summary of what we learned is available in PDF format (download SPARK Survey Summary). Here is the short version:
How Instructors View SPARK
The features instructors value most about the SPARK LMS are posting course content (e.g. readings and syllabi) and managing grades. The next most commonly used features are (in order): collecting assignments, managing online discussions, and giving quizzes and surveys (assessments).
The one aspect of SPARK that instructors would most like to see fixed is its interface inefficiencies and speed (it was often referred to as “clunky”). Below this on the list are specific requests for improvements in the gradebook and assignment tools.
Features that instructors would like to see added to SPARK, having a way to share content outside the limitations of the official roster (making at least parts of a SPARK course public or open to people at other institutions) shares the top slot with wishing that SPARK would integrate better with other tools, such as UDrive, UMail, and Blogs. Display of video within SPARK is becoming a more and more popular request.
How Students View SPARK
Overall, students find SPARK to be very useful (with very few dissenters). They primarily use it for viewing documents, submitting assignments, taking quizzes and participating in online discussions (in that order).
The top item students would like to see changed about SPARK matches that of the instructors: the interface to be less “clunky.” Just below this, students would like to see a better integration of SPARK with the other tools they use in their online lives, such as sending them emails when something is posted. A consistent comment from students is that they wish their instructors used SPARK, and if they do, use more of its features.
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Do you have thoughts on SPARK you would like to share? Post a comment here, or send an email to futurelms@oit.umass.edu with what you like, what you think should be improved, and/or what you think should be added to the next LMS for SPARK.