In Western countries today, instructed language learning in higher education normally includes use of the Web: as a resource in face-to-face classes, as an equal partner in instructional delivery in hybrid courses, or as the primary teaching and learning environment in distance learning. Most often today this is enabled through use of a learning management system (LMS, also known as a VLE or virtual learning environment) such as Blackboard Learn or Moodle. The use of these systems makes setting up a course Web site quick and easy, while offering an array of course management and teaching tools. At the same time, however, these systems embed pedagogical and cultural values which raise questions about learning design, instructional choice, and computer literacy. In this column we will look at these issues against the backdrop of recent changes in the LMS industry, emerging standards in content packaging, and new trends in open access online learning. (Contains 50 resources.)