Moodle or Blakcboard Learn
I would suggest to Benoît that he choose Blackboard Learn for setting up his online course. This is the University’s official Learning Management System site and has support from the IT department. As he has experience working with WebCT Vista , Benoît should be able to independently problem solve the steps required to set up his course materials as well as working with his colleagues. If he is aware that there may be a delay in getting IT support, he should make a point of setting up his coursework early in case he needs support. Although his colleagues don’t seem happy with this platform, I feel it is important for him to take the time to do his own evaluation. With his background, he may be able to figure out some of the problems that his colleagues are encountering and offer his support in order to make the system more manageable. If there continues to be challenges, his input will be valuable for the University if they then choose to go another route.
In terms of deciding which platform he will choose, Benoît needs to consider what’s available, what is currently being used, how is it supported and how much technical knowledge he requires.
The specific question he should consider is the amount and type of collaboration he feels will be required by his students. This is important in terms of making a choice based on ensuring students are able to access the tools necessary for group work. He also has to consider if he will give students the freedom to choose tools they will use to collaborate which are independent of the Learning Management Platform.
Base on the information we were given about Benoît’s technical background and experience in his subject matter (content) I feel that Benoît could set up a well structured course in 4 weeks. This should be enough time to set up the foundation of his previous f2f course to online while updating resources and ensuring that instructions are clear. This would also give him the time to figure out a new system and contact IT support with specific questions.
Perkins, M., & Pfaffman, J. (2006). Using a course management system to improve classroom communication. Science Teacher, 73(7), 33-37. Retrieved from http://20100829131520_6025161.webstarts.com/uploads/moodle_in_20_the_classroom_NSTA.pdf
Pinder, D. (2011). How long does it take to create an e-learning course? E-Learning Uncovered. Retrieved fromhttp://elearninguncovered.com/2011/05/how-long-does-it-take-to-create-an-e-learning-course/