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!!!

• Web Resources

•Moodle.org

•howtomoodle.com

• Print Resources

•Using Moodle by Jason Cole

•Moodle E-Learning Course Development by William Rice

About Moodle

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), 26-28. 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)