Proposal
I propose that the university invests in a Moodle server so that it may offer online learning solutions to educational needs. In this proposal, I justify both the reasons why the university needs an LMS and also why the Moodle platform is the right choice. Finally, I outline the costs that the implementation of Moodle will incur.
Why an LMS?
The university has set itself the task of shifting to a model of education more centered on the student. The incorporation of an LMS would act as a stimulus towards achieving this goal. Bates (2003) offers the SECTION model for considering the adoption of any technology into an educational context. Key to this model is the way technology can support certain types of teaching and learning and the way technology can change the patterns of interaction. Panettieri (2007) notes that an LMS can give more control to the learner by improving access to learning resources and can improve learning assessment. Chickering and Ehrmann (1996) note that using an LMS can lead to better communication between faculty and students and between students themselves as they engage in learning activities that are both collaborative and active. Outside the classroom, the student no longer works alone, but instead works cooperatively on directed tasks moderated both by peers and the instructor.
Why Moodle?
There are many LMS available. However, I recommend that the University invest in the Moodle platform. Moodle is a fast growing competitor in the LMS market and has a proven track record in important academic institutions (Martinez & Jagannathan, 2008). Hargadon (2008) notes “Moodle is stable and well-supported, with extensive user and developer groups.” Unlike most LMS, Moodle is open source, which means that the code is not owned; therefore there is no fee to use Moodle software, unlike other popular LMS. However, Martinez & Jagannathan (2008) state that many users do not consider this to be the main attraction of Moodle. The authors assert that it is the “innovative tools” that Moodle offers and the “support from online communities of practice” that make it so popular. Chao (2008) claims that, “Moodle is based on constructivist learning theory”. My experience of the platform supports this finding. Moodle facilitates student participation and collaboration; moreover, it encourages diverse forms of assessment.
Implementation Costs
Though there are no fees for licensing Moodle, this does not mean that it is free. Moodle requires a server and there are also “support, maintenance, and training costs” (Hargadon, 2008). Mr. Francisco Calderon, Director of the University Systems Department, suggests we start with a dedicated server for the Moodle platform, at a cost of approximately $4000. According to his estimates, the server would last 3 to 4 years before needing to be upgraded. Other requirements are maintenance of the database and software upgrades to tailor the system to our needs. Mr. Calderon estimates that one of his staff would have to dedicate 10 hours a week to this at a cost or approximately $100. Training will be needed, as it would be unwise to assume that teachers will adopt new technologies without it. Chao (2008) also highlights the considerable time commitment needed to develop courses on an LMS. Our current courses cannot simply be put online for, as the author notes, they need to be adapted to take advantage of the Web 2.0 technologies that the platform offers.
I have prepared a Moodle component to the EFL course all students at the university have to take. However, this is just the beginning. My experience suggests that other teachers, on seeing the possibilities of Moodle, will be motivated to follow suit. This can only work in favor of our prestigious institution.
References:
Bates, A. W. & Poole, G. (2003). Chapter 4: A framework for selecting and using technology. In Effective teaching with technology in higher education: Foundations for success. (pp. 77-105). San Francisco: Jossey Bass Publishers.
Chao, T. (2008). Moving to Moodle. EDUCAUSE Quarterly. 31(3). Retrieved January 5, 2010 from http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/MovingtoMoodleReflectionsTwoYe/163101
Chickering, A.W. & Ehrmann, S.C. (1996). Implementing the seven principles: Technology as lever. American Association for Higher Education Bulletin, 49(2), 3-6. Retrieved February 6, 2010, from http://www.aahea.org/bulletins/articles/sevenprinciples.htm
Hargadon S. (2008). Implementation Study #3: Moodle.. Retrieved February 7, 2010, from K-12 Open Technologies Web site: http://www.k12opentech.org/ implementation-study-3-moodle
Martinez, M. & Jagannathan, S. (2008). Moodle: A Low-Cost Solution for Successful e-Learning. Learning Solutions Magazine. Retrieved March 8, 2010 from http://www.learningsolutionsmag.com/articles/71/moodle-a-low-cost-solution-for-successful-e-learning/pageall
Panettieri, J. (2007, August). Addition by Subtraction. University Business, 58-62. Retrieved February 6, 2010, from_http://www.universitybusiness.com/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=845