File Format: Acrobat PDF (300kb)

This report compares six of the leading course management software packages as of January 1, 2000. Since that time the products we reviewed have undergone considerable enhancement. However, thousands of people visit our web site every month to look at this historic data and to gain inspiration from our methodology.

Because of this interest, we now also offer a self-guided planning tool, for only $195.00, that you can use to conduct your own evaluations based on the criteria we developed for the original report. And, if you'd like to read the original report, it is still available as a downloadable PDF file for only $10.00. Here's a summary of its contents:

• 6 packages from major vendors are compared
• Blackboard
• IntraLearn
• TopClass
• VirtualU
• Web Course In a Box
• WebCT
• 6 analysis tables
• Learning Tools
• Collaboration Tools
• Authoring Tools
• Course Management Tools
• Administration Tools/Costs
• Comparative Scores of the Six Packages
• 94 features used as criteria for evaluation
• 45 printed pages in length
• Complete Log of Feedback from Vendors and Users
• Complete Revision History

During the spring and summer of 1999, The University of the Future, LLC, (FutureU) completed this research study to identify a robust set of features that support teaching and learning online and then compare six leading course management software (CMS) packages to determine the extent to which each one of the six packages provided the desired features.

The report on the results of this research was published on October 13, 1999. A month following the initial study, WebCT submitted an updated feature list based on version 2.0 of their product. A revised report integrating this feedback and input from other vendors and users into the report was published January 1, 2000.

The purpose of this investigation was twofold:

1. to help academic institutions make informed decisions when they purchase or upgrade CMS products
2. to help CMS developers make informed decisions when they plan for product development and marketing

The research identified a total of 94 desired features. The number of features contained in each package was confirmed by checking with each vendor.

You may want to purchase the Report for its historical value and for the methodology. As always, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if your not satisfied that we've delivered more than $10.00 worth of value.