ULCC Moodler was invited to sit in on the first of ULCC's 'Webimoot' series last Tuesday, 6th November. Facilitated by ULCC for their customers, 'Administration: Assessing the Challenges' brought together moodle administrators to focus on a number of objectives:
- defining the role of 'site' administration
- update on what's new (especially with upgrade to 1.9)
- Identifying what delegates feel are key issues
- identifying solutions and next steps
It was great fun, and everyone said they enjoyed the session:
"I think the most enjoyable part for the first moot was just using the technology. I really enjoyed the session, especially after my intial disappointment when I was told there were no working headsets available! It's now that I know the questions to ask. I think we have come a long way in a short time and thanks for the support you've given so far." Maria, Newcastle.gov.org
What was particularly interesting, and very informative, was a presentation by James Ballard, the notable ULCC Learning Technologist, which outlined the challeneges facing site administrators along with an introduction to some of the new tools being made available to them in the 1.9 release. Some of this I'd never thought of before, so worth having a look at it:
Whilst ULCC maintains server and Moodle installation, there may arise issues with incorporating external data (such as user accounts and offered courses) that need to be accurate in order for Moodle to utilise them.
Having resources online can allow increased monitoring of quality, however it can also raise expectations for user experience, particularly those familiar with current trends in web technologies. In some areas you may also be competing directly against online training providers or other institution's websites.
How well does your Moodle site support Curriculum activities? Often these are kept separate rather operating hand in hand. Are online activities tied into syllabus and learning objectives?
There are a number of areas where Moodle can be used to provide resources and activities that add value to teaching and learning: libraries, key skills, extra-curricular, events, support, advice.
Moodle is compliant with accessibility standards, however any content added to it by users may not be - how are these monitored? Moodle also provides opportunities to cater to different learning styles through various activities and you may even find that your potential student enrollment base is increased by the ability to cater for things such as direct or mobile learning.
Online assessment is becoming increasingly popular and will develop hand-in-hand with the growth of e-portfolios. Moodle has a variety of tools to support this which are greatly improved in 1.9. Moodle may also need to communicate with other systems to cater for this.
A whole topic in itself (mentioned in a previous blog),so not mentioned in great detail during the presentation. However ULCC are looking at ways to incorporate, track, and manage CPD via Moodle.
Moodle training is a particular area where community resource sharing can benefit all. Comments?
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