The document evaluates Moodle as a potential learning management system (LMS) for Virginia Tech's English Language Program, emphasizing its ability to accommodate the instructional needs of instructors. Key findings indicate that current processes are inadequate, leading to requests for improved grading flexibility, course tracking, and enhanced communication. The results favor Moodle for its functionality, ease of use, and capacity to manage large files, recommending its adoption along with necessary training support.

1. Presented by Xin Chen, Christa Guilbaud and Honxgia Yang April 30, 2009

2. English Language Program Language and Culture Institute, VT English Language Preparation for 30 years Full-time Intensive English Language Courses for 8 weeks TOEFL- Test of English as a Foreign Language International Students: Personal Academic Professional 2 ELPs: Blacksburg & Northern VA

3. ELP Changes/Requirements Increase in enrollment An effective learning management system is urgently needed to meet their instructional needs. They desire a system that enhances communication, collaboration and across the board consistency of processes. The client asked our group to access Moodle for its potential to meet their needs.

4. What is Moodle? Open Source Learning Management System (LMS) or Course Management System created by Martin Dougiamas (a former WebCT administrator) similar to Blackboard, Sakai, WebCT Free and Open source- Community of users have the right to make changes to the design and content and have free access to materials and information . Source: Moodle. (2009 April 29). In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved April 29, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moodle Appeal: Flexible, accommodates large range of teaching models

5. Key Questions What are the technological affordances of Moodle, particularly in light of ELP instructor needs? What are the ELP instructors ’ needs in terms of a learning management system? To what extent does Moodle meet the identified learning management system needs of ELP instructors?

6. Methods and Instrumentation Key Questions Instruments Sample What are the technological affordances of Moodle, particularly in light of ELP instructor needs? Interview (via Email) Assessment rubric Internet resources A Moodle user at VT What are the instructors’ needs in term of a learning management system? Formative interview survey focus group interview Administrors and instructors at ELP of VT To what extend does Moodle meet the identified learning management system needs of ELP instructors? Focus group interview Assessment rubric Internet resources Administrors and instructors at ELP of VT

7. Results from Formative Interview Not using any Learning Management System. Using various technologies offered by university to generate grade report. Problem to track attendance. Student can not track their course progress. Current process: time-consuming, repetitive, cost ineffective, time inconsistent. Need a tool offers greater grading flexibility , ease of communication and collaboration, report and tracks student progress efficiently.

8. Results from Virginia Tech ’ s ELP LMS Selection Survey – demographic info

9. Results from Virginia Tech ’ s ELP LMS Selection Survey-demographic info (cont.)

10. Result of Survey - Basic LMS Functionality post/monitor course progress and effectiveness VI. provide feedback on assignments

11. Result of Survey - Advanced LMS Functionality VII. contents are protected with password and other security protocols

12. Result of Survey - System Usability & Technical Support has a simple layout that's relatively easy to navigate VI. provides users with basic online support

13. Results of Survey- Open-ended Questions Improve communication with students Students can access to grades Calculate grades Monitor students’ progress Document storage Collaboration among instructors Easy to navigate Saving time

14. Results from Formative Interview with Virginia Tech ’ s Moodle User Advantages Allows private grade checking. Enables large file handling. Facilitates collaborative learning. Disadvantages/Concerns Client needs to create their own database of students ID. Instructors need some training in order to use Moodle proficiently.

15. Results from Focus Group Interview Question Response In order of priority, what are the three most important learning management issues that you are currently struggling with as a group? flexible grading system Student can access to their grades students submit assignment by specific due dates In order of priority, what are the most important needs you would like for Moodle to address? handles large audio and video file generate student proficiency reports instructors track attendance and give student ability to access to their attendance To what extent must Moodle meet your priority needs to be the desired LMS option? 98%

16. Moodle Assessment Rubric

17. Rubric Results- Sufficient File Capacity? Client requires a system that has a file capacity for large audio and video data. Moodle version 1.9 has a basic file capacity of 5MB. This can be adjusted to the maximum file upload size capacity of 50 MB.

18. Rubric Results- Allow Flexibility of Grading Grades can be automatically: Calculated Aggregated Weighted Grades in Moodle may have: Numerical values Words/phrases from a scale or rating system Letters

19. Rubric Results- Moodle Supports Electronic Communication? Post to messages Forum Internal email Chat module Blogs Wiki

20. Rubric Results- Student Attendance Tracking Download and properly install the attendance module. Add attendance as an activity to each course Export attendance reports for every day, every week, or every month

21. Rubric Results- Allow posting of assignments Assignment activity module allows teachers to collect work from students, review it and provide feedback including grades. Any digital content (files), such as word-processed documents, spreadsheets, images, audio files, or video clips Online text assignment Iterative assignments

22. Rubric Results- Contents are protected with security protocols Affords strong security protocols Administrators set permissions for access System is password protected

23. Rubric Results- Can generate grade reports Easily create grade book for each course Track grade history Import/export grade (in CVS format or html format)

24. Rubric Results- Post/monitor course progress Course-based tracking Course(s) link (past, current, and future) Assignment has been done and needs to be done Grade and feedback for each assignment Set up personal learning plan: course has completed, course need to be completed Whenever student log into the system, he/she will see the progress monitoring block on the course site

25. Rubric Results- Provide feedback on assignment Submission page: grade for the submitted assignment comment on the assignment last modification time final grade of the assignment The system automatically send out email telling student a feedback available for review

26. Rubric Results- Layout that is relatively simple to navigate Generally speaking, the layout of Moodle is relatively simple to navigate It is a subjective matter, also depends on the user’s technical experience and computing skills

27. Results of Rubric: Summary

28. Recommendation We recommend Moodle as the LMS for the English Language Program of VT. Based on the specific instructional needs as expressed by client. Hire a graduate assistant PHP/ HTML script Training, orientation, and maintain the Moodle system

29. Any Questions

30. Thank You