Moodle for High SchoolPractical Use for Blended

Learning In A

21st Century School

By

Desi J. Vuillaume

Joseph Geiger

What is Moodle?

• Moodle is a course management system (CMS)

• A free, Open Source software package designed using sound pedagogical principles

• Designed to help educators create effective online learning communities

• Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment

Social Constructionist Pedagogy

• Learners construct new knowledge as they interact with their environment

• Learning is particularly effective when constructing something for others to experience

• Collaboratively creating a small culture of shared artifacts with shared meanings

• Connected and separate learning behaviors

Tools Available in Moodle

• Discussion forums• Grade book• Dynamic content generation• Blogs• Wikis• Quizzes• Chat rooms• POD Casts

Other Facts About Moodle• Basic idea was started in the 1990’s by

Martin Dougiamas

• Documentations, manual, and active help forum are all available online.

Log In Page

Front Page of Class

Quiz Page

Forum Entry With Feedback

Calendar Tool

Students’ Perceptions

• In what ways have you enjoyed using the online psychology class?– “It was simple to use and the facts on things

were abundant.”– “I enjoy typing and using the class to learn more

about psychology.”– “I like the online psychology environment

because of the its flexibility.”

Students’ Perceptions

• What are the advantages of accessing psychology class with Moodle?– “Searching online for what you don’t understand

and overall more engaging– “You get more information and any questions

you have are pretty much answered.”– “I am a visual learner….the computer gets my

attention more.”

Teacher’s Perceptions

• Less paper shuffling

• Grading seems easier

• Students are more engaged in learning

• Lessons can be tailored to meet individual needs of students

Who’s Using it?

• University of Illinois

• Lewis University

• Trinity International University

• Barrington High School

• Stevenson High School

• Oak Park Elementary School Dist. #97

• District 214 Arlington Heights