Towards synergy between learning management systems and educational server applications

Most well-known Learning Management Systems (LMS) are based on a paradigm of learning objects to be uploaded into the system. Most formulations of this paradigm implicitly assume that the learning objects are self contained learning objects such as FLASH objects or JAVA applets or presentational learning objects such as slide presentations. These are typically client side objects. However, a demand for learning support that activates the student can often be satisfied better with a server application than with client-side technology. Currently, it is seldom possible to provide the student an integrated learning experience based on the services of an LMS and server side learning support materials. This paper discusses the problem of realizing synergy between server side learning support applications and LMS¿.