Proposal
E-Portfolio Assignment #2: Project Proposal
For those wondering… My proposal is written as though it would be directed to IT Coordinator for the North Vancouver School District explaining why I feel we (as a district) need to make a switch to Moodle.
~ Ryan
Moodle Proposal Assignment
Ryan Edgar
ETEC 565a – Section 65A
February 7, 2010
Background
The current Learning Management System (LMS) technology utilized by the district is inadequate and no longer meets the needs of its users. I can speak first hand to the deficiencies of our current system as it lacks the capabilities for expansion, several useful Web 2.0 applications and causes great amounts of frustrations for its users due to its inflexibility and time consuming design features. I am one that has recently abandoned web use (as a teaching tool and resource) because the downsides of our LMS far outweigh the benefits.
The motto of the North Vancouver School District is “Natural Place To Learn ®”. If in fact our district’s vision is to provide world-class instruction and a rich diversity of engaging programs to inspire success for every student then it is time that we update our current server technology and move in a new enlightened direction.
Rationale
Goals of our district include providing seamless and appropriate information and communications technology and providing a diverse range of programs that reflect the values and interests of our community. If we are to provide world class instruction that will both engage and inspire our students then it is time we provide our users with appropriate LMS technology that will, as Perkins (2006) stated, “enable teachers to easily post assignments, lesson plans, announcements, and course documents” (p. 34). It is my contention that the North Vancouver School District make Moodle available to its citizens.
Bates and Poole (2003) developed the SECTIONS framework that can be used to evaluate technologies (such as Moodle). Using this framework I have determined that Moodle is in fact the right choice for our district. Aspects of the SECTIONS framework include:
| SECTIONS | Moodle… |
| E – Ease of Use | is relatively straight forward for use from both the teacher and students aspects) |
| C – Cost | is completely free |
| N – Novelty | is relatively new but it is always evolving and staying on the leading edge of the curve |
| S – Speed | courses can be developed quickly and can be easily edited and/or changed |
LMS Evaluation Rubric:
I compared Moodle to other LMSs using a LMS Evaluation Rubric (see Appendix A). After careful analysis it was clear to me that Moodle is the best choice for our district to move forward.
Budget Requirements:
Moodle is an Open Source LMS which means it comes at no cost to the district. However, Moodle will require district employees to maintain and provide tech support to its users but beyond any initial training costs, Moodle will actually be less costly for our district to maintain and operate thus allowing the district to redirect superfluous funds and/or personnel to areas where they can be more effectively utilized. Bottom line… Moodle would not cripple our district’s budget from a start-up or maintenance stand point.
Required Resources:
Moodle can be downloaded for free at http://moodle.org. The current district server is more than capable of hosting Moodle. When you visit http://moodle.org you will be able to navigate various demonstration sites, participate in tutorial activities and assess the benefits of the product.
Final Thoughts:
I know the district has been encouraged to look for new options and solutions to our LMS needs. I feel that Moodle addresses our current needs as well has the capabilities for expansion as our needs grow and change. If our district is in fact the natural place to learn then Moodle is the natural choice.
References
Bates A. W. & Poole, G. (2003). A Framework for Selecting and Using Technology. In A.W. Bates & G. Poole, Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education (pp. 75-108). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. 4.
Perkins, Matthew & Pfaffman, Jay (2006).Using a Course Management System to Improve Classroom Communication. The Science Teacher. 73 no7, 33-37.
http://www.nvsd44.bc.ca/AboutUs/~/media/1245054F85054C85BE3EBF9E2DB5EF2A.ashx
ttp://www.nvsd44.bc.ca/DistributedLearning44.aspx
Appendix A: LMS Evaluation Rubric
Click on the following link to download my LMS Evaluation Rubric: REdgar LMS Proposal Appendix A