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EVITA Project: “Exchange, Valorisation and Transfer of regional best policy measures for SME support on IT and e-business Adoption” eLearning: Which Platform?

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Presentation on theme: "EVITA Project: “Exchange, Valorisation and Transfer of regional best policy measures for SME support on IT and e-business Adoption” eLearning: Which Platform?"— Presentation transcript:

1 EVITA Project: “Exchange, Valorisation and Transfer of regional best policy measures for SME support on IT and e-business Adoption” eLearning: Which Platform? Contract No 0226R1 - Kick-off meeting Athens 9 December 2008

2 2 What is an eLearning Platform?  eLearning platform = Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)  VLE is seen as pivotal to the implementation of any distance-learning programme.  VLE is a website that engages students in various learning activities. includes a set of management & delivery tools to allow on-line materials to be provided and consumed within a clear, organised structure. provides students with easy access to course materials, quizzes, self-assessment materials & communication tools.

3 3 VLE Systems...  All institutions/projects offering e- learning have invested significant resources (time & money) to decide on the VLE to adopt.  Let us AVOID using too much resources to answer this question!! Resources should be used on developing the course material and the associated e-learning pedagogies.

4 4 Which VLE is right for us?  VLE systems available include: Customised systems i.e. those developed specifically for the project. Commercial offerings e.g. Blackboard, eCollege. Open source systems e.g. Bodington, Sakai, Moodle.  No single best option that suits all situations, otherwise all institutions would take that choice.

5 5 Customised VLE  Pros Developing our own VLE system internally ensures that the VLE will have features which serve the project needs.  Cons Lots or resources (money, time, human) needed. Development is a lengthy process that could delay the implementation of e- learning (as per experiences with other projects).  Recommendation: AVOID

6 6 Commercial VLE  Pros Established VLEs with the all the usual features that any VLE will have. Technical support & backing by the company providing the VLE.  Cons Expensive to procure. Expensive to purchase ongoing support.  Recommendation: AVOID

7 7 Open Source VLE  Pros Least expensive option to set up & maintain. Use of open source VLEs has increased in the past 5 years. Reputable universities have switched from commercial VLEs to open source VLEs.  Cons Uncertainty regarding ongoing future development of open source VLEs. Requires in-house or commercial support.  Recommendation: ADOPT for the project.

8 8 Which open source VLE? Moodle – www.moodle.orgwww.moodle.org  Emerged in 1999 from the Australian higher education community.  Moodle - an acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment.  Large & diverse user community, multilingual, scalable VLE.  Adopted by reputable e-learning institutions including the Open University.

9 9 Moodle...  Continuity - Ongoing technical development. Programme code developed by institutions & individuals is made available to all Moodle users at no cost.  Support – Relatively easy to maintain. Commercial companies can offer both hosting & support (where institutions lack technical resources).

10 10 Moodle Features...  Moodle has many features expected from a VLE: Resource types Question types Data field types (for the database activity) Graphical themes Authentication methods Enrolment methods Content Filters Many third-party Moodle plugins are freely available making use of this infrastructure.

11 11 Moodle Features (2)  Web based VLE - no downloads on student or tutor computer.  Upload of files: doc, xls, ppt, pdf, mp3, avi, mpg, etc.  Online quizzes, multiple choice tests, etc.  Forum & wikis.  Email facilities.  Tracking student use of resources.

12 12 Using Moodle  Experience: The learning curve for most tutors & students is not steep. Minimal technical training is required for tutors in terms of setting up & maintaining their course area. Students with average ICT skills can work through Moodle course areas with minimal support. A lot of support material (online help & manuals) is available.

13 13 Thank you

14 14 Contacts: Fondazzjoni Temi Zammit Ir-Razzett tal-Ħursun University of Malta Msida MSD 2080 Tel: +356 2340 2189 Web: www.ftz.org.mtwww.ftz.org.mt


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