After creating a site on Moodle, I was able to compare my experiences while designing on WebCT/VISTA. Similar to Moodle, I had to take some time to get used to the layout of the site. Because I have been using WebCT/VISTA for the MET courses, I could visualize the site better than when I first came across Moodle for the first time in ETEC 565. One thing I had to remember was to toggle between the different tabs: Build, Teach, and Student View. These features were similar to Moodle when I had to “Turn Editing On” or use the site as a “Student”.
When I used Moodle, it felt like I was creating my own site and deciding my own layout. On the other hand, when I used WebCT/VISTA, it felt like I was just adding modules, quizzes, or any other elements to a standard layout. Therefore, WebCT/VISTA does not seem as personal as Moodle for a designer. I did like how WebCT/VISTA was fairly easy to use because it helped the designer throughout the whole process by defining what each item did. For example, when choosing a Type of Gradebook, it would tell difference between each type. As well, the language used was also easy to understand from a new designer perspective. At times, I had difficulty finding certain tabs or functions because there were a lot of words on a given page. However, after looking over the site, I find that you do become familiar with it quite quickly.
I liked how I was able to start working right away from the instructions in the toolkit, but if I did not have these instructions I probably would have struggled for a while right at the beginning. At times, when I had trouble, I found myself using the “Help” section, which was very helpful. I found this section more helpful than the “Help” section on Moodle, where I generally had to search elsewhere on the Internet for assistance.
Overall, the process was not too labour intensive, but I think it is partly because I have gained experience with using Moodle. Without Moodle experience, I think I would have found my experience with WebCT/VISTA more labour intensive. I like how the outcome of the site I created was automatically the same as WebCT/VISTA courses that I have used. As a designer, I could come up with modules and assignments, which would visually replicate those of a designer with a lot more experience. In comparison, I feel that it is more difficult for a designer to make a Moodle site more visually complex and professional. Therefore, WebCT/VISTA may be better for new designers without any experience and perhaps more time constraints. In the end, I was surprised that each step I completed with WebCT/VISTA led to a successful completion (for the most part). Despite the few struggles I had, I thought my experience was positive and I could see myself designing with WebCT/VISTA more.
Your second LMS is always easier than your first!