A Virtual Learning Environment

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Aims for Session 1

1. Introduction to Moodle – how a VLE supports Teaching & Learning

2. Develop the basic skills3. Use interactive tools (blog and feedback) to

communicate and develop learning community

1. What is a VLESpace on the www for your course: resources,

assignments, timetables and much moreIt is password protectedThe space is controlled by the tutorThe learner can have access 24/7Its function is to support Teaching and Learning

Why Moodle?Free open source coursewareEasy to useRecognised across the worldEffective support systemContinuing to develop – meeting the needs of learnersCDETB have rolled it out across its colleges and schools

Advantages for LearnersAccess to their course 24/7Communication with tutor and other learnersResourcesOpportunities for collaborative learningEngaging activitiesOnline submission of assignments

Advantages for teachersOrganisation of resourcesReduces photocopyingAllows you focus on your teaching Communication with learners – blogs, forums ,feed backWorld wide moodle communityOnline submission of assignments

Key Educational Features Grounded in a philosophy of collaborative learningLearning seen as a social processSoftware designed using pedagogical principles by

teachers for teachersTools developed to actively engage the learnerFosters an inquiry based to approach to learningInteracting with peers and the community an important

element

Resources & Activities

Flexibility

2. Develop the Basic Skills

• Play, experiment and explore the system• Skills demonstration• Use ‘Basic Skills Manual’ and do the tasks listed

2.1 Basic SkillsLogging in and NavigatingUpdating Personal ProfileUse the text editorIdentify Icons and their FunctionsOptions re Page LayoutIdentifying Blocks and their uses

3. Use Interactive Tools It is important to develop the collaborative aspect of

moodle so all training programmes should provide opportunities for this

Blog – allows discussion and reflection with peers and course teacher

Feedback – allows instant comment on the session

Referenceshttps://moodle.org/support/ Moodle 2.0 for Teachers: An Illustrated Guide Mark J Rollins