Why Moodle

Page 1

Using a Virtual Learning Environment to Promote Learning & Communication

Sheilla Norton St. Cloud State University Summer 2007 nosh0502@stcloudstate.edu


Global vs. Classroom  Preparation for the working world of the future 

 Global

Collaboration  Critical thinking skills

Social constructivism


Definition:  “Social constructivism emphasizes the importance of culture and context in understanding what occurs in society and constructing knowledge based on this understanding” (Kim, 2001, ¶9). Examples?


How can it be fostered?  Create communication

&collaboration in curriculum

Technology Tools  Web2.0 and

Classroom2.0 ▪ Tools for social networking and collaboration


MOODLE’S CREATOR 

Martin Dougiamas designed Moodle based on the social constructivist pedagogy.  Built-in social

networking and collaboration tools  Most students will already know how to use these tools

MARTIN DOUGIAMAS


MOODLE - Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment  CMS – Course Management System or VLE – Virtual Learning Environment  Open source – Free! 


Open access to world-wide information with teacher control  Differentiate learning & accommodate multiple learning styles  Create communication & collaboration channels 


Social Networking Tools Calendar & Personal Content  Resource Tools  

 Files created in Moodle,

Office, PDF and web links

Activities Tools

 Online and offline

assignments  Individual and group  Graded and ungraded


Classroom Website  Place for students and parents to get information  Calendar of Events  Discussion Forums  Questions for Teacher  Homework help ▪ Web links ▪ Forum for tutoring


Blogs – individual writing projects  Reports  Reflections  Journals

Wikis – collaborative writing projects    

Study guides Glossary Scripts Collaborative presentations


Chat Tools  Peer tutoring  Synchronous collaborating

Forums     

Questions Parent information area Student information area Peer to peer communication Teacher to teacher collaboration

Question Button


Podcasting & Wikis Activities  Collaborative script

development  Performance 

Slideshows or Video files Embedded  Remote teaching

 Reviewing in-class materials  Material for absent students


Use PowerPoint to construct a WebQuest.

Students can access from anywhere

Only need Acrobat Reader

Example: Energy WebQuest


Online Testing Using Quiz Option  Practice computer 

  

testing Offer practice exams Immediate feedback option Paperless testing Eliminating student dishonesty


Many types of questions:        

Multiple choice Calculated True/False Embedded answers (Cloze) Matching Description Short Answer Essay


Promote Collaboration and Communication  Meet NETS and ISTE Standards  Consistent method for online content and communication  Easy to use and customizable  Readily available documentation and online community support.  Class templates for ease of development  Free!!! 


About Moodle

• Web Resources

•Moodle.org •howtomoodle.com • Print Resources •Using Moodle by Jason Cole

•Moodle E-Learning Course Development by William Rice


Kenny, J. (2006, March 10). Platform for change [Special section 4]. Times Educational Supplement, 4676, p.12. Retrieved August 8, 2007, from Lexis Nexis database. Kim, B. (2001). Social Constructivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved August 10, 2007, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/ Krechowiecka, I. (2005, October 4). Open source:Please sir, can we have some more?: Virtual learning environments are getting kids excited about education. The Guardian: London (UK), p.5. Maikish, A. (2006, May). MOODLE: A free, Easy, and constructivist online learning tool. MultiMedia & Internet@Schools, 13(3), 2628. Retrieved August 8, 2007, from Academic Search Premier database. Perkins, M. & Pfaffman, J. (2006). Using a course management system to improve classroom communication. The Science Teacher, 73(7), 33-37. Retrieved August 8, 2007, from Platinum Periodicals database. (Document ID: 1148188121)


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.