Moving materials from Intranet to VLE Andy Diament Penzance
Reasons for project Repurpose existing material Explore how to write eLearning materials and activities Explore VLE in depth Learning & Teaching Technical
Existing materials Developed for trial with commercial VLE Content Web pages (Created in Dreamweaver) Quizzes (Created in Hot Potatoes) Presented in 2 courses Presented with frames Information & Communication for AS Physics (applicable to ICT/Computing/Music Technology)
Moodle Moodle is undoubtedly the premier open source VLE Course Centred interface (FERL Constructivist pedagogy Ease of Use – student / teacher Clear default interface Moving towards accessibility standards Supportive community
Activities to move materials Convert HTML to lessons Convert Hot Potatoes Quizzes to Moodle quizzes Introduce Uploadable assignments Glossary tasks Discussion forums & Chat Interactive spreadsheet
Problems Copyright material Tried Importing Hot Potatoes quizzes without editing Backup/restore format Database failure
Evaluation With AS physics group Replaced conventional lessons for 1 week Mostly positive response Successful outcomes: Easy navigation Success in quizzes Final test result exceed predicted grades Concerns Too much material presented in lessons
Benefits for students Change of activity Suits learning styles (of most) Material always available Can see progress Collaborative tools available Shared glossary printable for revision
Benfits for Practitioner Better understanding of effective eLearning activities In depth knowledge of installation / maintaining moodle Learnt from / contributed to community Enhanced database skills
Benefit to colleagues Other colleagues want to move from Intranet to VLE In depth knowledge to pass on teaching/learning technical Feed into staff development Development plan
Future use of materials Improved since trial: Minor errors Replace copyright imagery with own Check links Improved order (glossary task at start)
Deliverables Information Leaflet Report This presentation Original materials (html) Course (moodle backup) Installation guide