The RNCM is developing a virtual learning environment (VLE) using Moodle 2.0 to support its 800 students and 400 staff. Currently there is no centralized VLE, and technology use is ad hoc. Moodle was chosen over Blackboard due to its low cost and adaptability. An implementation strategy was developed to launch the VLE for the next academic year by moving all student materials and integrating it with the student information system. Training and support for staff will be provided through various means. Future developments may include portfolios, streaming media, and live events.

1. Developing a VLE for the RNCM using
Moodle 2.0
Peter Stacey
E-learning Coordinator
Royal Northern College of Music

2. The RNCM
• ~800 Students
• ~400 Staff (~75% part-time)
• Lots of one-to-one tuition
• Courses split into Academic and Professional Studies and Principal
Study (Instrument)
• VLE role to support the existing mode of study

3. Current use of learning technologies
• No VLE (except for FD course)
• Student notes on intranet
• Ad hoc use of external applications by keen staff, e.g. Facebook,
Blogger, Doodle
• Previously attempt to implement Pebble Pad was very unpopular
• Students keen to have better technology
• Management keen to develop use of technology (hence my post)

4. Choice of VLE
• Blackboard
– Easy for me
– Expensive, ongoing costs
– Hard to adapt to particular requirements
• Moodle
– Steep learning curve
– Cheap
– More readily adaptable to particular requirements

5. Moodle 1.9 or 2.0 ?
• Moodle 1.9
– Well established
– Lots of plugins available
– But would have to upgrade in 1-2 years (and retrain staff)
• Moodle 2.0
– Brand new, many new features
– Untested in ‘production’
– Few compatible plugins yet
– Interface should be stable for a long time

6. Implementation Strategy
• Need to have ‘something’ in place for next academic year
• Do the boring stuff first – admin and practical information
• Make VLE main hub for materials and communications
• Move all student materials and information out of intranet for
launch of VLE
• Full integration with SIS and network login from start to reduce
staff ‘overhead’ on using VLE

7. VLE Structure to fit the way the college works
• UG and PG Programme Information areas
– Programme handbooks, timetables, announcements
• Academic and Professional studies
– ‘Unit’ areas like university modules areas
• Instrumental Schools
– Area for practical information, announcements and booking of
tutorials and masterclasses
• Instrumental Tutor areas
– Allow tutor to communicate with their pupils
– Using ‘Social format’ for simplicity

8. The current ‘test implementation’

9. Training and support
• Group ‘starter’ sessions
• Drop in and one-to-one sessions
• Targetting ‘core’ staff first
• InfoSheets
• Online video tutorials
• Roll out to instrumental tutors later (gradual encouragement and
support)

10. Future developments (the interesting stuff)
• Mahara
– Portfolios and CVs
– Social Areas
– Students can sharing performances with their peers
• Video streaming
– Making video resources available for teaching
– Research seminars online
– Potential for graduation, live streaming of concerts.

11. Moodle vs Blackboard – my experiences
• Moodle
– Easy to install a ‘vanilla’ version
– Hard to configure
– Does most things but often in an obscure way (to a Bb user)
– Lack of built in administration functions
– Reasonable user friendly for tutors, less so for admins (better
than the other way round)