The document discusses the challenges of providing effective e-learning to off-campus students and a pilot study comparing the proprietary learning management system Blackboard Webstudies to the open-source Moodle platform. A group of 181 nursing students in Germany struggled to complete assignments and quizzes on Webstudies due to its requirements for specialized software, bandwidth, and browser configuration. In contrast, a pilot using Moodle for the same nursing program found that it required less bandwidth and configuration, allowed use on any browser, and had fewer technical issues preventing students from completing quizzes. Based on these results, the document recommends adopting a blended learning approach using Moodle to better serve the needs of off-campus and remote students.

1. Effective e-learning from far, far awayM van Rooyen

2. Background Blackboard(Webstudies) main LMS Client side Java – install Java on computerBrowser dependantBandwidth intensive

3. Background – on campusWorks very well on campusStudents work in computer areas – lab techniciansLap tops – IT – techniciansBandwidth no issue – intra-network

4. Background – Post GradSU – runs number of post graduate programmes – part time studentsNumber of students increase every yearMake use of e-learning. Inter-telematic sessions, broadcast of lessons and LMS for distribution of files, assignments and assessments.

5. Department of NursingPost-graduate programmesAll students are off-campus - GermanyStudents are mostly older than 40

6. Background – off campusStudents don’t know computers Limited access to technologyBandwidth and configuration requirements pose technical challenges for off-campus students.Large problem – nurse students were unable to complete quizzes

7. Problems with WebstudiesConfiguration of web browsersInstallation of JavaInternet CafésBandwidthFiles downloadquizzes

8. Pilot study - MoodleLess demanding in terms of bandwidth and configuration requirementsPHP programming languageNo configuration of computer e.g. Java installationNot browser dependantMLE-Moodle

9. Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing 181 students were enrolled for the program in 2010Four different modules were created on Virtual Nurse (the name of the Moodle based system) for the second semester.

11. Formative EvaluationQuantitive Data Queries from both Learning Management System databasesPolls

12. The queriesWebstudiesVirtual Nurse1 Module2 quizzes951 attempts4 modulesSix quizzes802 attempts

13. Results of the QueriesWebstudies34 reset due to technical errorsVirtual Nurse1 reset due to technical error

14. The polls

15. The way forwardNumber of quiz attempts reset due to user errorsStudents don’t know computersOne day workshopFirst years – compulsory ICT moduleFace to faceFull time

16. The way forwardNot compulsory for post graduateShort coursesBlended learning approachOne day workshop – extended with online learning

17. MLE-MoodleIn 2008, 92 people per 100 people had access to cellular phones in South Africa 7 who had fixed internet access Research Mobile Learning

18. ConclusionCurrently 3 different Moodle installationsNot Open Source vs. Proprietary battleFind the right tool for the circumstancesNumber of students increase every yearFind the right tool to help students

21. And they all lived happily ever afterMarinda van Rooyenvrooyen@sun.ac.za