Abstract

Asynchronous (any-time) and synchronous (real-time) e-learning technologies have paramount significance in distance education. Asynchronous e-learning provides anytime teaching-learning opportunity by putting away the obligation of being online at the same time for students and instructor. On the other hand, synchronous e-learning provides real-time communication between instructor and students distantly. Synchronous technologies require huge effort to be successfully established to fit the intended education context. Asynchronous and synchronous e-learning technologies are combined to propose various kinds of blended learning environments. This paper proposes an innovative blended e-learning environment with its unique features, called LIVELMS, that aims to achieve distance learning as good as traditional classroom learning. LiveLMS is a tool which integrates virtual classroom environment with a learning management system. In other words, this tool aims to combine synchronous and asynchronous learning environments so that a single point management capability can be provided. More specifically, a teacher can organize online lectures by using this tool and keep track of students’ live performance besides asynchronous performance. Additionally, all resources (e.g. lecture recording, documents shared, etc) related to online lecture becomes accessible from LiveLMS even if the lecture ends.