Moodle Reflection
I created a Moodle site for my Foods & Nutrition 9 class that I teach face-to-face. I plan on using this site to support my in class instruction and increase the breadth of knowledge that we explore by using the Internet and online tools. Visit my Moodle.
- 1. Splash page using an object orientation (5) – I decided to use the “topic format” versus the weekly format as we will use the site where applicable and not every week. I have a topic set for each content module and at the top of the splash page I have images that direct students to various components.
- Two (or more) complete content modules (5) – I created four Modules as I plan on using this site in the Fall. The first module is a simple getting to know each other module. The next two modules explore healthy living and recipes. The last module includes the final exam.
- (At least) one module programmed for selective release (1) – I “hide” the last module (the exam) and I set it for the exam to open on a specific date.
- Two general discussion fora topics (2) – I have 3 general discussions. First, an icebreaker and where students discuss what foods they like and don’t like. The next two discussions are questions I pose to the students to get a discussion going between the students.
- One group discussion forum for (at least) 2 groups (2) – I created 3 groups and a private discussion forum for them to collaborate.
- A reflection upon your experience completing this assignment in your reflective practice weblog.
Creating the Moodle site was the best experience I have had this far in the MET program. I loved the process of creating it and the concept of a LMS to support my in class instruction.
From the process point of view, I found the Moodle site intuitive and the online help was accessible and useful. I also enjoyed how I was able to customize the look and feel of my site relatively easy. I wanted my site to have a lot of white space to ensure that students could easily navigate and find the required work and I believe that I have accomplished this. I also liked that I was able to switch between a weekly format and a topic format. I can see the benefit of each and this time around I believe that the topic will best suit my needs. I also like how easy it is to “hide” topics/assignments from students. This way, I will be able to use my site as is and release information in a timely manner. At this point, I don’t have any complaints or suggestions for Moodle. I anticipate as time goes on and I use more functions that there will be changes that I want to make.
The fact that Moodle is designed around Constructivist pedagogy ensures that all activities and resources are available to address any instruction or assignments I wished to do with my students. The online nature of the Moodle site also is a vehicle for my students to use various Internet tools. Overall, I think I did an excellent job of addressing the goals I had set out in the beginning of the term:
I have identified the following goals to enrich student learning in my classroom:
1. Improve collaboration between students.
2. Improve communication with parents.
3. Explore and experiment with different recipes and food techniques to make the experience more authentic.
I am excited to use my Moodle site and I am confident that my students and I will enjoy the experience.
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