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
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

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!!!

About Moodle
• Web Resources
•Moodle.org
•howtomoodle.com
• Print Resources
•Using Moodle by Jason Cole
•Moodle E-Learning Course
Development by William Rice

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)