LMS Proposal

LMS Proposal

For the context of my proposal I am a high school IT teacher who is recommending that the Vancouver School District implement the Moodle (Modular Object Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) Learning Management System (LMS) for their online learning and distance education program. The current climate in the Vancouver district is bleak. The district is facing some serious budgetary challenges, which has lead to cuts to programs, possible school closures, and personnel layoffs. In addition, the school that I am employed at experiences an above average drop out rate. The Moodle LMS, which I am proposing, would initially be implemented to teach social studies, English and science with more subjects to be added later. The challenge for me is to convince the Vancouver School District of the benefits of using Moodle over other platforms. This proposal will highlight the benefits of using Moodle over its competitors.

To:

Vancouver School Board

From:

Joey Turco

Middle School Social Studies & IT Teacher

ABC Middle School, Vancouver, B.C.

To Whom It May Concern:

As a current teacher in the Vancouver School District, I am greatly concerned with the number of challenges our district is facing at this present time. The financial problems have been well documented in the media. A budget shortfall of roughly seventeen million dollars has placed an exorbitant amount of pressure on the board to cut school programs and layoff teachers and support staff workers. In addition, drop out rates at our school are well above the national average. Current budgetary shortfalls dictate the need for cost saving operational strategies. Currently the Vancouver School District is looking for cost effective LMS software to use for their distance and school-based programs. Moodle, an open source LMS, can be implemented at minimal cost and will meet the needs of the district.

The Rationale For Implementing the Moodle LMS

The SECTIONS Framework provides an outline for the requirements that an effective LMS should fulfill. This framework provides the basis for my justification in implementing the Moodle LMS. Bates and Poole (2003) note that this framework is helpful in analyzing the merits of instructional technologies.

In the Vancouver School District the student population, on the whole, is extremely computer literate and has access to computers in school and often at home. Moodle would provide these students with a collaborative, diverse, interactive, and intuitive learning environment that is suitable for multiple intelligences. Moodle accommodates intelligences that range from musical to interpersonal. For example, it is possible to watch videos using Moodle and to live chat with other students. Bates and Poole (2003) note that teaching should cater to the different learning styles of students. They state, “if students are visual learners, they should be provided with diagrams and illustrations” and “If they are auditory learners, they will prefer lectures and audio-cassettes” (p. 85). Moodle is a useful tool, which caters to a variety of learning styles.

Since an above average percentage of our student population drops out, we feel that the offering a solid distance-learning program could provide a viable option for students considering dropping out. Furthermore, by providing an online learning environment for our students, the teachers will be able to better monitor students’ progress. Moodle’s parental communication features provide teachers and parents with an easier communication stream. As Perkins and Pfaffman (2006) state, “Moodle helps parents and teachers to better hold students accountable for assignments made during the school day (Perkins & Pfaffman, pg. 36). Moodle will help students achieve success by improving communication with educators and by providing an organized and well-laid out platform which will enable higher student achievement.

It is important that educational technologies do not require a long learning curve. Moodle is an LMS that is simple to use and will seem familiar to the user as its functions are similar to widely used programs such as Microsoft Word. Therefore, most students and teachers will feel comfortable working with Moodle. Moodle requires users to possess modest computer skills. In addition, the intuitive Moodle interface will make it easy for teachers to add only the features that they need, add course content, and update their Moodle when needed. Teachers will not require any html skills as Moodle provides an easy to use Graphical User Interface (GUI).

There are numerous Learning Management Systems to choose from including Desire2Learn, WebCT/Vista, and Blackboard, however, the Moodle LMS is best as it is open source software, free to use, and requires a minimal operational investment. The only cost associated with implementing Moodle would be the cost of server hosting and course construction. Lambda Solutions, a Moodle hosting site, would be able to provide hosting for approximately 1,000 users for $125.00 per month making Moodle a much cheaper alternative to the proprietary competition. This is a big plus for the district as it is facing severe budgetary challenges. As Perkins and Pfaffman (2006) state, “Unfortunately commercial systems are often expensive to purchase and maintain, removing them from the reach of many K-12 schools. An alternative is Moodle, a free, open-source software program that not only provides a set of features similar to those of its proprietary competitors but is often easier to use” (p. 34). In addition, the current computer systems at the school are adequate enough to run Moodle requiring nominal upgrade costs in the future. Moodle maintenance costs and development time would be minimal as would be the required support from the existing IT department. The IT department and a school-based team will ensure that Moodle is running properly and will maintain course sites.

Thank you for considering Moodle as the LMS choice for the Vancouver School District. I am hopeful that we have persuaded you into making Moodle the LMS choice for the district.

Sincerely,

Joey Turco

References:

Bates, A. W. and Poole, G. (2003). Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education: Foundations for Success. New York: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.

Implementing the 7 Principles. (n.d.). American Association for Higher Education & Accreditation. Retrieved October 4, 2010, from http://www.aahea.org/bulletins/articles/sevenprinciples.htm

Moodle – 2006/01/16. (n.d.). Office of the Vice-Provost (Information Technology). Retrieved October 5, 2010, from http://www.vpit.ualberta.ca/elearning/moodle/2006/jan16.php

Moodle.org: open-source community-based tools for learning. (n.d.). Moodle.org: open-source community-based tools for learning. Retrieved October 6, 2010, from http://moodle.org/

Perkins, M. & Pfaffman, J. (2006). Using a Course Management System to Improve Classroom Communication. Science Teacher, 73(7), 33-37.

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