There exist a number of information systems that a firm may consider to employ, with each distinctively portraying functional capabilities. In essence, information systems define how information is gathered, stored and retrieved in an organization. This paper will elucidate the underlying elements surrounding the three major information systems, namely: Brightspace, MyMIS Lab, and Blackboard.
Brightspace
Brightspace is basically ideal for K-12 education districts among other higher education institutions ( Chasen & Pittinsky, 2014 ). Also, Brightspace may find its use in government facilities and corporations. Brightspace’s LMS integration has gained a tremendous worldwide recognition. The product operates as “a software as a service”, which has an impeccable volatility, whereby it can work on various mobile devices.
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Brightspace supports device with various operating systems including Windows, Android, Linux, Mac and iPad/iPhone as well as web-based systems. The primary and only language supported is English. While the system is chiefly deployed through Cloud Hosting, users may also elect to install it through Open API.
There exist a number of peculiar features of Brightspace, all put in place to ensure that the system remains competitive. Such features include (but are not limited to) the ePortfolio and analytics tools. The ePortfolio feature enables users to manage and keep track of learner development. As such, this feature comes goes a long way toward encouraging peer collaboration while promoting knowledge sharing in an institution. The analytics feature enables users to assess each individual and department’s performance.
Brightspace is inherent to several drawbacks, which call for the attention of various stakeholders, including authors and experts. The major concern lies in the export tool. The export details of students should be alphabetized accurately to enable ease of access and interpretation of data. I would recommend a waterfall system developing lifecycle (SDLC) in enhancing the functionality of Brightspace.
Brightspace is prone to various hazards that may result to system failure and malfunctioning. The recommended practice to curb the occurrence of these threats includes protection measures such as the installation of Firewall and Antivirus Software.
MyMIS Lab
MyMIS Lab is a management system that enables professors and tutors to analyze students’ performance hence assess their progress ( Kroenke & Boyle, 2015 ). Students are able to carry out projects entailing databases and spreadsheets. MyMIS Lab employs a variety of LMS integrations ranging from open source to Cloud. LMS facilitates the ease of access to the system.
The system supports Windows 8.1 and 10, which also require the latest versions of browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Since MyMIS Lab is primarily a web server, its functionality dwells much on browser settings. For instance, one should ensure that they enable pop-ups, cookies, and JavaScript.
MyMIS Lab has gained recognition in institutions owing to its classroom-oriented features such as online quizzes and tests. This feature enables instructors to set homework assignments or tests, which are accessible to students. MyMIS Lab enables instructors to choose from the test bank or upload their own. Another distinct feature of the system is its ability to keep track of students’ performance and schedules.
MyMIS Lab is vulnerable to security threats resulting from its complexities as well as hazards arising from internet website browsing. Such harms include spyware and adware, whereby visitors’ information is collected without their notice or consent. These hazards can be mitigated through the application of anti-spyware programs ( Jouini, Rabai & Aissa, 2014 ).
Blackboard
Blackboard is a web-based system with institutional management features including course management and variable students’ integration designs ( Adams & Connally, 2018 ). Blackboard’s Learning Management Systems (LMS) makes it simple and open, as users can learn from virtually anywhere. In essence, learners are able to collaborate with their fellows in and outside the classroom.
The system requires a Macintosh OS X or Windows OS 7 or higher. Additionally, the device must have a minimum of 4GB RAM and 20GB ROM. Screen resolution is also vital, and a set of 1280x1024 is required. The device should also have an effective webcam as well as a high-speed internet access. Installation of Blackboard may take the form of ordinary local server installation or Blackboard ASP Solutions hosting.
The users of Blackboard are generally intuitions and learners, whose interactions are managed and monitored using the system. Institutions through their designated faculties employ Blackboard to add learning materials, which can be retrieved online by students. The most outstanding feature of Blackboard is its enhanced communication functionality. For instance, a professor or a tutor can easily post announcements, which can be accessed either at the announcement tab or by pop-ups upon login. Furthermore, students can chat in real-time with one another.
Blackboard is facing a stiff competition from cheaper open source alternatives due to its high cost. It follows, therefore, that the cost-effectiveness of the system should be addressed in order to cope up with the market’s needs.
While several measures have been put in place to ensure that the system is protected against malware and other threats, there still are several hazards that may inhibit the functionality of the system. Malware control measures such as the installation of a suitable anti-virus can go a long way in limiting the chances of an attack or interference ( Jouini, Rabai & Aissa, 2014 ).
References
Adams, T., & Connally, I. (2018). Introduction to Information Systems (GSU).
Chasen, M., & Pittinsky, M. (2014). Blackboard Learn.
Jouini, M., Rabai, L. B. A., & Aissa, A. B. (2014). Classification of security threats in information systems. Procedia Computer Science , 32 , 489-496.
Kroenke, D. M., & Boyle, R. J. (2015). Using mis . Prentice Hall Press.
