W1 Reading

The following 4 articles are just the beginning of what I am researching to support my Action Research Project:  Moodle Doodle.  I am looking into how using Moodle in the classroom can be an inspiring, motivational tool that increases productivity. 

1.Attitudes Toward eLearning Using Moodle: A Qualitative Approach

   By:  Yusniza Kamarulzaman, Azian Madun and Farinda Abdul Ghani University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This study looked at what students’ attitude was towards eLearning, what factors influence students’ adoption of eLearning and what motivates students to continue to use Moodle in the learning process. 

This study provides a clear explanation of what Moodle is and how to use it. As well as the reasons that Moodle is highly motivating to students. 

The conclusion shows that Moodle is a useful tool for students at all levels.  It was found to be easy to use and user friendly to students.

2.Comparison between Two Learning Management Systems:  Moodle and Blackboard

By:  Momani, Alaa M.

This is a specific list of both Moodle and Blackboard and compares how the two compare.  They look at six factors; Pedagogical Factor, Learner Environment, Instructor Tools, Course and Curriculum Design, Administrator Tools, and Technical Specification. 

3.  Curriculum Integration:  The Use of Technology To Support Learning

     By:  Jackson, Allen, Gaudet, Laura, McDaniel, Larry, and Brammer, Dawn

This article discusses Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences takes into consideration the different learning styles, therefore, the use of technology is ideal to support the multiple learning styles.  By using technology, differentiation is much easier and allows students to use their strengths and different styles to learn and master the same concepts.

4.  Moodle Habitudes

     By: Angela Maiers

    This book opens with the definition of “habitudes” as the combination of habits and attitudes.  This seems to be a perfect combination to analyze and look at how Moodle can be used in the classroom. 

There are specific tools discussed such as: Questionnaire, Book, OUBlog, Lightbox Gallery Resource, Learning Diary, Exabis ePortfolio.  These are explained and then told how to install.  I will be referring back to this to add new options to my Moodle and compare them to existing classroom practices.  

These four articles have given me a great foundation from which to build my Moodle investigation.  I am looking forward to adding new tools to my Moodle and having students log in to begin their new journey.