Choosing Moodle

Guest Blogger: Brenda Snider

Four years ago, Lincoln University implemented a new learning management system, MOODLE (Module Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment).  The vendor we currently use is Moodlerooms, which is owned by BlackBoard.  In this blog, I want to discuss personal and professional change and some reasons to use Moodle for your courses.

Have you heard of ADKAR?  ADKAR is used by businesses and for personal use to change habits. The acronym is Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement.  So, as the New Year has begun, I have been thinking about applying this model to some of my personal issues as well as learning more about Moodle. I noticed that I did not want to learn Gradebook and was having a difficult time picking up all of the concepts. I only wanted to learn one aspect of the tool. After looking at the ADKAR model, I realized that I am aware of the features, I know where to obtain the knowledge, I have the ability, but I did not have the desire to learn all of the features. It seemed overwhelming. In my position, I need to know all aspects of Gradebook since each instructor has their own grading scheme. I had to force myself to change my attitude.
Let’s consider applying the ADKAR model to our usage of Moodle. Think about your awareness, desire, knowledge, ability, and where you can obtain reinforcement. What is prevents you from using Moodle?  Or, if you are using the learning management system, why do you continue to use it?

Awareness:  Are all of Lincoln’s Professors and Adjunct Professors aware that we have a learning management system?  Are you aware of the many features of Moodle?

Desire:  Do you have the desire to change or add to your method of sharing information and communicating with your students?

Knowledge:  Do you have the knowledge or do you know how to use Moodle?  If you are not aware or you do not have the desire to use Moodle, then participating in Moodle training and workshops will probably not connect with you and the training will be futile.

Ability:  Do you feel you do not have the ability to use Moodle?  ATS staff can help with this. We can offer one-on-one training and give you the opportunity to practice Moodle in the Faculty Lab, Library Room 116.  I am a firm believer in chunking. I break learning down and learn one tool at a time. If you think Moodle is overwhelming, you can use this method, too.

Reinforcement: Nancy Evans, Director of ATS, offers LU-MUGS meetings (Lincoln University-Moodle User Groups). The group meets frequently to discuss Moodle issues, which reinforces your learning.  In addition, ATS offers workshops and recently started teaming up with CETL Director, Anna Hull, to offer workshops that demonstrate Moodle features along with Anna’s perspective and pedagogical benefits.

So, what are some reasons to use Moodle?

·     Course enhancement

·     Students always have their course materials available if they have access to their computer or phone. Consider the students who miss class, for whatever reason, i.e. athletics, band, illness, or if the university is closed for some reason, the students can still access their courses and even participate in a forum.

·     Transparent grading (students do not have to ask you about every grade, they can see all of their grades)

·     Easier quiz grading

·     Attendance

·     Ability for students to take their quizzes wherever they have access to the Internet

·     Students can no longer use the excuse, I lost the assignment or I was not in class to get the assignment

·     Reports (i.e., logs: do the student access the class as stated, student engagement)

·     Export data for other uses

Are you ready or are you already using Moodle?  We would appreciate your comments. Why are you using Moodle?  Would you encourage others to use Moodle? Are you ready to start using Moodle?  If not, what are your hesitations?

Respectfully,

Brenda Snider

Instructional Support Specialist

ATS