Alternatives
The purpose of this page is to compare and contrast GAFE to each of the above learning management systems (LMSs) that serve a similar function on the basis of the following definition:
"An LMS is comprehensive, integrated software that supports the development, delivery, assessment, and administration of courses in traditional face-to-face, blended, or online learning environments." (Wright, Lopes, Montgomerie, Reju & Schmoller, 2014).
Some might ask "If GAFE is free, why are people still paying to use LMSs like Moodle and Blackboard?" Great question...
"The usage of the LMS on campus really just involves document sharing, announcements, gradebooks, and discussion boards, then isn’t a platform like Google Apps for Education a completely viable (and free) replacement? What do you need that Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Chat, Google Docs, Blogger, Google+. and Sites don’t provide? With the extension of the Google Apps for EDU platform to third-party developers (some of which charge, some of which are free), why are schools paying for an LMS again?"
- Audrey Watters, 2012
Perhaps it is the "newness" of GAFE, or the "too good to be true", or the "nothing in life is free". Some people also seem to be under the false belief that because the GOOGLE server is in the US it is less secure. However, it is our hope that once you have seen what GAFE can do and how it stacks up you will view it as a viable FREE option to the alternatives.
"An LMS is comprehensive, integrated software that supports the development, delivery, assessment, and administration of courses in traditional face-to-face, blended, or online learning environments." (Wright, Lopes, Montgomerie, Reju & Schmoller, 2014).
Some might ask "If GAFE is free, why are people still paying to use LMSs like Moodle and Blackboard?" Great question...
"The usage of the LMS on campus really just involves document sharing, announcements, gradebooks, and discussion boards, then isn’t a platform like Google Apps for Education a completely viable (and free) replacement? What do you need that Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Chat, Google Docs, Blogger, Google+. and Sites don’t provide? With the extension of the Google Apps for EDU platform to third-party developers (some of which charge, some of which are free), why are schools paying for an LMS again?"
- Audrey Watters, 2012
Perhaps it is the "newness" of GAFE, or the "too good to be true", or the "nothing in life is free". Some people also seem to be under the false belief that because the GOOGLE server is in the US it is less secure. However, it is our hope that once you have seen what GAFE can do and how it stacks up you will view it as a viable FREE option to the alternatives.