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)