Learning a new skill always has a somewhat steep learning curve associated with it. Historically, I have lea
rned well from traditional classroom models, however, since undertaking a degree that is delivered in a on-line format, I have been forced to adapt my preferred learning style!
I must admit, that when I first signed into my Moodle site*, I was very intimidated. Nothing made sense to me– I was in a foreign land and I did not speak the language! Without too much trouble, I was able to change the theme, although I was not very impressed with the options— Moodle themes are very simple, to say the least.
Beyond theme choosing, however, I was immobilized. All I can say is thank God for YouTube!!! Moodle itself provided a series of informative video tutorials and my Professor also provided us with a great YouTube tutorial. If it was not for these videos, I would still be in the fetal position, I am certain!
Once the basic processes were in place, I did feel like some of my prior knowledge was useful. I blended in my online Interest Inventory and Google Calendar, without any trouble. My course outline was adapted from what I use in my classes currently (Having online versions of outlines is particularly awesome, however— providing external links is fantastic!) I am happy to be learning how to manipulate the code of the page to make the formatting or functionality optimal, as well.
Overall, it was a very interesting process! Without question, I would much rather do projects like this than write an essay, so I am definitely in my happy place!
*When watching this Screencast of my site, please know that there was a tremendous wind storm happening! At first it sounds like sirens, but then you can here the wind fairly clearly. Talk about bad timing!