haiku LMS

There were several interesting announcements from the field this week that I'd like to discuss.

First, Microsoft launched its desktop software for creating e-learning content (code name: LCDS). What is it? In a nutshell, it's a way to create and organize content that can later be uploaded or published to the web. And, while it's not currently compatible with haiku LMS, this strikes me as an interesting development for the field. Why? Because most LMS systems are notoriously difficult to use and come with a steep learning curve. So, one way to solve the problem is to create content elsewhere (like on the desktop) and then import it later. The other option (which we prefer) is to make an LMS that's easy-to-use in the first place.

Jan Van Belle of MyLearning.be reviewed LCDS here, and describes structure as rigid and has some complaints about the UI, but gives it a positive overall review.

The second bit of news (via the Chronicle of Higher Education) is that BlackBoard has released a Facebook application for students. From what I understand, it pushes course information into the social-networking site for those students that have installed the application. It doesn't actually transmit grades or other confidential material, but it does tell you when Blackboard is updated. Now this is downright cool. What better way to let students (albeit of the high school and college variety) know that there's new information on their LMS. Without divulging too much, I can safely say that Blackboard isn't the only LMS developing tools for social networks. Jeff Bohrer, writing from the University of Wisconsin, gives Blackboard some props and notes his frustration with Desire2Learn here.

What do you think? How should haiku LMS connect to Facebook?