Elon Technology Blog

Designed for learning: Four reasons why Moodle is a better LMS

Did you know that Moodle will be Elon’s only Learning Management System (LMS) beginning this summer (2012)?

An old proverb states, “Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.” Our switch from Blackboard to Moodle opens a door to customizing your course site.

Four reasons we think it makes a better LMS solution:

• Designed for learning. Moodle approaches learning through sound learning theories focused on Constructivism and Connectivism. Knowledge is created and connected through consistent interaction and cooperation between and among teachers and students.
• More ways to organize and pace content. Moodle breaks courses into topics and elements that form a structured pathway through course teaching materials. Professors select when students can see specific portions of the course and when materials are released for viewing and study. This is especially helpful in creating robust discussions, stimulating deep reflection privately or shared with peers and encouraging lively conversation through group or individual contributions.
• More ways to share resources and connect with your students. You can distribute a course calendar, lecture slides with audio, videos, pictures, YouTube videos, links to reading materials, podcasts, RSS feeds, Twitter updates, as well as Adobe Connect course recordings.
• Easier to use. Once the basics are learned (in about an hour), faculty have commented on how easy Moodle is to use with drop-down menus, modular blocks, clear choices, and a simple page layout.

During the spring 2012 term, Elon faculty members and Teaching and Learning Technologies staff persons Cheri, Ben, Roger and Dan will be sharing ideas and suggestions on how to use Moodle to enhance your courses. Do you have a feature you’d like to learn more about? Contact us at tlt@elon.edu or leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

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About the author

Cheri Crabb, PhD, Academic Technology Consultant with TLT, has a career in academia focused on instructional design and development using integrated electronic media systems for blended learning.

 

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