The following is a very interesting read, if a British perspective on LMS’s, which clearly highlights the challenge facing the use of these sorts of environments.
At the moment most LMS’s are mainly used as repositories, rather than open learning evironments. They replicate traditional classroom approaches in secondary schools, but we need them to transform. There is massive potential for them to do this, but it does depend on how they are used.
I do believe that some of the proprietary systems around encourage the whole repository idea. They have limited functionality in terms of learning.
This is what I like about Moodle. It uses Web 2.0 tools which are so familiar to students. It also has enormous flexibility. And it’s not quick process to upload documents, which is a good thing in many ways, but limits its use for sharing. But does this matter? There are so many other options if teachers want to share documents online. At Cantatech we are using Google Groups to bring learning areas together. We shall see how this goes…
Back to the main topic though. I love Moodle, but it has it’s limits and does tend to be teacher driven. How do we ensure that this rich environments are used effectively?
June 26, 2009 at 1:25 am
I too love the Moodle, I like the fact that it is ours, we decide what we are adding, upgrading and the direction we wish to take it. It may not be the prettiest but hey since when was that relevant for learning outcomes. Too make sure these environments are used effectively we need to have time to adapt. Teachers cannot be forced into teaching this way rather it has to be a groundswell from the students and keen teachers to show the value of the tools.
June 26, 2009 at 7:54 am
Agreed Richard. We are not forcing any teacher into using Moodle in Cantatech, although it is strongly encouraged as a tool for our eTeachers. Outside of that we have tried to encouarge and enthuse those who take an interest, although this is difficult across eleven schools.