This is a controversial area among many educators. An ILS has courseware and management software that run on a computer network. The system works across grade levels and covers many curriculum areas. It also includes a management piece that reports student progress.
Studies show positive student, teacher, and administrator satisfaction with ILSs.
These studies did not show the impact of ILS on student achievement during the first year of the study. However, during the second year those classes that were encouraged to increase their time using an ILS, and where teachers were more involved, did show an improvement on standardized tests compared with traditional classes. Many ILSs are instructionally designed around behaviorally oriented instruction such as clear presentations of rules, followed by examples and drill and practice items with feedback. The lessons are aimed at a learning level and build sequentially based on the user's pace. In addition, the ILS provides a management system that can evaluate learning and offer various forms of assessment.