Haiku is a Web 2.0-centric learning management system from education software developer Haiku Inc. Compared to established systems like Blackboard and WebCT, or even open source options like Sakai and Moodle, Haiku is still in its infancy. In fact, going by the tour, it appears to be mostly an easy way to set up a course web site.
I took the tour to check it out and Haiku does have a few things going for it. The drag-and-drop interface makes it a snap to set up the course website with content and activities. Skins allow you to customize the look and feel and the latest version includes enhanced discussion forums, drop box functionality, and an Inbox for messaging.
In terms of content, there’s the usual suspects – text, links, and files – but you can also add images from Flickr, audio from Odeo and video from YouTube and Google Video. All in all, Haiku looks like it might be an option for anybody who wants to quickly and easily build a course web site with a few interactive options.
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Another LMS/CMS that you might want to check out is Scholar360. It combines all the academic features faculty need with a social network that student love. It’s easy to use – professors designed it – and affordable. http://www.scholar360.com.
Vidya, if Haiku focuses on making a course site, how does it compare with PageFlakes?
Can I add another open source LMS to your list: OLAT
http://www.olat.org
A java based Swiss learning management system comparable to WebCT or Moodle.
Bryan, haven’t used PageFlakes as I’m a NetVibes gal myself. That said, I would say it’s akin to PageFlakes, NetVibes, et al, in terms of the AJAX-driven interface and the drag-and-drop operation. So, while it’s Web 2.0 in terms of the form, the function is definitely cut in the CMS/LMS mold. So, to the extent that PageFLakes and NetVibes are intended to serve as personal portal pages, Haiku is a far cry from them.
Interesting – I wonder if it’s a successful hybrid, or falls between two stools.
Just blogged at NITLE, with a credit for ya.
haiku LMS continues to grow… and will launch Gradebook and Assessment tools later this fall. Educators may not only maintain a classroom website, buy can post assignments, manage discussions, collect homework and more. The AJAX interface makes it easy to keep current content where students can find it. And the Clipboard even makes it simple to drag & drop content from one Page or Class to another.
This is quite a up-to-date information. I’ll share it on Facebook.
Another big shot, another Genious of our days! Definatley on of the HISTROICAL figuers! Such a pitty!