USING MOODLE TO SUPPORT MASTER’S MODULE AT THE EDUARDO MONDLANE UNIVERSITY
Keywords:
Learning Management System (LMS), Moodle, constructivism, objectivism
Abstract
This article explores the pedagogical and practical issues to be addressed when teaching with a Learning Management System (LMS) at the Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique. The study was conducted in the form of a development research, and reports on the design, evaluation, and implementation of the module Management Information Systems in Education. The online module was built using Moodle and the study was undertaken at the Faculty of Education. An evaluation questionnaire with open-ended questions was developed to evaluate the online component of the course. The questionnaires were completed by a sample of seven adult students who were registered for the course and their lecturer. Observations on the Moodle were also conducted. Two established theoretical points of departure contributed to build the conceptual framework for this study; constructivism and objectivism. An adaptation of Cronjé’s (2006) model of the four quadrants of teaching and learning was used to develop the conceptual framework. An interpretive analysis of the data plotted the answers to the research questions on the Cronjé model. The findings indicated that the use of an online module designed and delivered through Moodle is recommended because of four main reasons. Firstly, it can be accessed at any time and at any place. Secondly, it provides the opportunity to collaborate with others virtually. Thirdly, it is a useful educational package that can be adopted by teachers to supplement the teaching and learning process in schools. Finally, it improves communication possibilities.
References
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VAN DEN BERG, K. Finding open options: an open source software evaluation model with a case study on Course Management Systems. Tilburg: Tilburg University, 2005. (Master’s Thesis, Tilburg University, 2005).
VAN MERRIËNBOER, J. J. G. Cognition and Multimedia Design. Nederlaand: Open Universiteit Nederland, 1999.
WESTERA, W. Competences in Education: a confusion of tongues. Journal of Curriculum Studies, v. 33, n. 1, p. 75-88, 2001.
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ALESSI, S. M.; TROLLIP, S. R. Multimedia for learning: methods and development. 3. ed. Boston: ALLYN and BACON, 2001.
ALLY, M. Foundations of educational theory for online learning. In: ANDERSON, T. and ELLOUMI, F. (ed). Theory and Practice of Online Learning. Athabasca: Athabasca University, 2004. Chapter 1. Available online from: http://www.cde.athabascau.ca/online_book.
BERGGREN, A. Theoretical and practical implications for ICT-supported learning communication. Uppsala: Uppsala University, 2006. (Master’s Dissertation, Uppsala University, 2006).
BROOKS, J. G.; BROOKS, M. G. In Searching of Understanding: The case for constructivist classrooms. Alexandria: ASCD Publications, 1993.
CRONJÉ, J. Paradigms Regained: Toward Integrating Objectivism and Constructivism in Instructional Design and the Learning Sciences. Educational Technology Research and Development, v. 54, n. 4, p. 387-416, 2006.
CRONJÉ, J. C. Real learning in virtual environments. In: MARTIN, A. and MADIGAN, D. (eds). Digital Literacies for Learning. London: Facet Publishing, 2006. p. 34 – 41.
CRONJÉ, J. C.; BURGER, D. Learning from a free-access digital information Kiosk in Africa: An Objectivist-Constructivist investigation. Aslib Proceedings: New Information Perspectives, v. 58, n. 3, p. 218-236, 2006.
DOUGIAMAS, M. Improving the effectiveness of tools for Internet based education. In: HERRMANN, A.; KULSKI, M. M. (ed). Flexible futures in Tertiary Teaching. ANNUAL TEACHING LEARNING FORUM, 9, 2000. Proceedings… Perth: Curtin University of Technology, February, 2000. Available from: http://lsn.curtin.edu.au/tlf/tlf2000/dougiamas.html. Retrieved on March, 14, 2006.
DOUGIAMAS, M.; TAYLOR, P. C. Interpretative analysis of an internet-based course constructed using a new courseware tool called Moodle. Perth: Curtin University of Technology, 2002.
DUGGLEBY, F. How to be an online tutor. Sheffield: The Sheffield College, 2000. (Gower Publishing Limited).
FACED/UEM. Programas de Mestrado em: Educação em Ciências Naturais e Matemática; Desenvolvimento Curricular e Instrucional; Educação de Adultos. Maputo, Moçambique, 2001.
FAHY, P. J. Media Characteristics and Online Learning Technology. In: ANDERSON, T. and ELLOUMI, F. (ed). Theory and Practice of Online Learning. Athabasca: Athabasca University, 2004. Available online from: http://www.cde.athabascau.ca/online_book
FOSNOT, C. T. Constructivism: theory, perspectives and practice. New York: Teachers College Press, 1996.
JAFFEE, D. Virtual Transformation: Web-Based Technology and Pedagogical Change. Teaching Sociology, v. 31, n. 2, p. 227-236, 2003.
JENSEN, J. White Paper: is this the best way to develop, deliver and manage online training? a discussion of lessons learned while integrating DVD video and PowerPoint lessons into a free open-source web-based management system. 2004. Available online from: http://www.americastrainingpartners.com/projects/ATP/addtl_files/best_way_html/. Retrieved on April 14, 2006.
JOLLIFFE, A.; RITTER, J.; STEVENS, D. The Online Learning Handbook: Developing and Using Web – Based Learning. London: KOGAN PAGE, 2001.
JONASSEN, D. H. Objectivism versus constructivism: do we need a new philosophical paradigm? Educational Technology Research and Development, v. 39, n. 3, p. 5-14, 1991.
KEARSLEY, G.; BLOMEYER, R. Preparing K–12 teachers to teach online. Educational Technology: the magazine for managers of change in education, v. 44, n. 1, p. 49-55, 2004.
LAWLER III, E. E. From job-based to competency-based organizations. Journal of Organizational Behaviour, v.15, p.3-15, 1994.
MAYES, T. Learning technology and learning relationships. In: STEPHENSON, J. (ed). Teaching and Learning Online: Pedagogies for new Technologies. London: KOGAN PAGE, 2001.
MBAMBO, B.; CRONJÈ, J. C. Learning with a Website for the Textile Industry in Botswana. Educational Technology & Society, v. 10, n. 1, p. 157-170, 2007.
MCDONALD, R.; VAN DER HORST, H. Outcomes-based education: Theory and Practice. [Pretoria], 2005.
MCKENNA, P. and LAYCOCK, B. Constructivist or Instructivist: Pedagogical Concepts Practically Applied to a Computer Learning Environment. Annual Joint Conference Integrating Technology into Computer Science Education. p. 166-170, 2004.
MEGÍAS, M. G.; ITMAZI, J. A. Survey: comparison and Evaluation Studies of Learning Content Management Systems. Granada: University of Granada, 2004. (PhD Thesis. University of Granada, 2004).
MOODLE-WIKIPEDIA. Background: Moodle Features. Retrieved on April 12, 2006, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Moodle.
NAVARRO, J. R.; GALLARDO, F. O. A model of strategic change: universities and dynamic capabilities. Higher Education Policy, v. 16, p. 199 – 212, 2003.
PAPERT, S. The children’s machine: rethinking school in the age of the computer. New York: Basic Books, 1993.
REEVES, T. C. Enhancing the worth of instructional technology research through “design experiments” and other development research strategies. In: INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES ON INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH FOR THE 21ST CENTURY, 2000. New Orleans, 2000. (session 41.29) Available online from: http://it.coe.uga.edu/~treeves/AERA2000Reeves.pdf. Retrieve on March 23, 2006.
SNOOKS, G. D. The dynamic society: exploring the sources of global change. London: Graeme Donald Snooks, 1996.
STEPHANIDIS, C. Challenges towards universal access in the information age. Research and Development, ERCIM News, n. 40, 2000. Available online from: http://www.ercim.org/publication/prosp/UI/ . Retrieved on December 5, 2006.
STEPHENSON, J. (ed.). Teaching and learning online: pedagogies for new Technologies. London: Kogan Page, 2001.
TEICHLER, U. Higher education policy and the world of work: changing conditions and challenges. Higher Education Policy, v. 12, p. 285-312, 1999.
VAN DEN BERG, K. Finding open options: an open source software evaluation model with a case study on Course Management Systems. Tilburg: Tilburg University, 2005. (Master’s Thesis, Tilburg University, 2005).
VAN MERRIËNBOER, J. J. G. Cognition and Multimedia Design. Nederlaand: Open Universiteit Nederland, 1999.
WESTERA, W. Competences in Education: a confusion of tongues. Journal of Curriculum Studies, v. 33, n. 1, p. 75-88, 2001.
WOODS, D.; DEKKER, S. Anticipating the effects of technological change: a new era of dynamics for human factors. Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, v. 1, n. 3, p. 272-282, 2000.
YORDANOVA, L. et al. Development of a Web–based Course on Informatics via Open-source Softwae Package MOODLE. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOG-COMPSYSTECH’. 2003. Available online from: http://ecet.ecs.ru.acad.bg/cst/Docs/proceedings/S4/IV-15.pdf. Retrieved on February 14, 2006.
ZHAO, F. Enhancing the quality of online higher education through measurement. Quality Assurance in Education, v. 11, n. 4, p. 214-221, 2003.
