Tim et al
I think you are right that it is very difficult to distinguish between
the impact a particular VLE has had and the support around it.
My feeling is that the VLE needs to be of a certain standard for
successful implementation, but that the support and other structures are
also vital. So a poor VLE can be a barrier, but a good VLE does not do
the job unless it is well supported.
Steve
Stephen Clarke
Head of eLearning
Information Services
University of Birmingham
Birmingham
B15 2TT
+44 (0)121 414 4736
[log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Virtual Learning Environments [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Harrison Tim (Staff)
Sent: 29 January 2007 22:38
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VLES] BECTA's Learning Platform Services Framework
I tend to agree that Moodle has had a very positive effect on the staff
and has enabled staff who were previously unable to cope with the
technology feel a lot more confident. In some cases, however, it is more
a case of Moodle being in the right place at the right time. Its
introduction in our College was matched with a lot of general IT
training and staff enabling work. I am quite sure other VLEs would also
have had an impact but Moodle seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
On a slightly different note, I am very concerned about the lack of
depth we, and I suspect other Colleges, have for technical back up. We
really only have one technician competent to keep it going as the rest
are not interested in the non-Microsoft route for training. If the one
person goes then we will have to pay for bespoke support which would be
very expensive as, unlike Moodle itself, that is not free.
Tim Harrison
________________________________
From: Virtual Learning Environments on behalf of Peter Kilcoyne
Sent: Mon 29/01/2007 18:31
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VLES] BECTA's Learning Platform Services Framework
Stewart
I'd love to claim that the increase was all down to me but I've seen
the same effect in all the 30 odd colleges in the West Midlands region
(when I was working at the RSC) that switched to Moodle without a new
evangelist. Conversations with other ex colleagues from RSCs around the
country also confirmed this pattern. I think that folk like you and me
that are comfortable with online technologies can find our way around
most VLEs without too much trouble. The ones that moodle really makes a
difference for are the teachers that are not confident with ICT and who
never got to grips with learnwise, blackct etc. Not all of these engage
with Moodle I wouldn't claim that but a significant number of them do.
-----Original Message-----
From: Virtual Learning Environments [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Stewart Strachan
Sent: 29 January 2007 17:21
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VLES] BECTA's Learning Platform Services Framework
I think that the key point you have made is that you started working
there and the Moodle use increased. Any new evangelist will have an
immediate impact on staff interest.
I'm working with six different VLEs on Becta's approved list and most of
them are reasonably usable.
The lack of a 'Youtube' like video function is really annoying and the
fact that it is so difficult to check for inappropriate images in a
users personal space without changing their password is a real drag.
If you want to see what a VLE should look like then get a Thnk.com
account.
Stewart Strachan
(E-Learning & Secondary ICT Consultant)
Inclusion & Achievement
*: 01202 456371
Fax: 01202 456191
email: [log in to unmask]
VISIT BOURNEMOUTH COUNCIL'S WEBSITE AT www.bournemouth.gov.uk
Please save paper and only print out what is necessary.
-----Original Message-----
From: Virtual Learning Environments [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Peter Kilcoyne
Sent: 29 January 2007 14:21
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VLES] BECTA's Learning Platform Services Framework
Laurence
Could you tell me what research shows it doesn't matter what system was
used and that institutions using learnwise or Black CT etc have the same
degree of engagement in elearning as those that use Moodle. My
experience from working at the West Midlands RSC was that every
institution that chaged to Moodle had a huge increase in elearning
activity. I think if you spoke to any institution that had been using
say Learnwise and then moved over to Moodle you will find that the
amount of engagement from staff had increased dramatically. Thie
usability of the two systems are not even comparable. This in my belief
and not the price of Moodle is I think the main reason for its success.
I recently started working at a college that was using WebCT for 6
years, after 5 months of using Moodle we have had more than a 100%
increase in the numbers of staff actively using a VLE. I think this is
fairly typical of the experiences of other institutions Regards Peter
-----Original Message-----
From: Virtual Learning Environments [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Peter Kilcoyne
Sent: 29 January 2007 13:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VLES] BECTA's Learning Platform Services Framework
Laurance
(and everyone else) I originally sent this message to the list on Jan
10th (during the period you mentioned) I think Adam has accidently
resent my email back to the list Peter
-----Original Message-----
From: Virtual Learning Environments [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Laurence Fouweather
Sent: 29 January 2007 11:41
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VLES] BECTA's Learning Platform Services Framework
Hi Peter
If you look in the archives of this list - you will see that it was
discussed at some length in the week beginning 10th Jan. Basically if
you read the BECTA learning platform framework it is about supply of a
service - not a particular platform. It seems they wanted to ensure that
schools/LEAs investing in a VLE (LCMS/LMS/Learning platform) had a list
of checked out suppliers who could supply and properly support a system.
There is nothing to stop a school asking for open source from one of the
suppliers or just using one if it wants to - but any school should at
least read the framework and think about all the issues involved .
Research in HE/FE shows that it doesn't matter whether Moodle/other open
source system or BlackCT/Learnwise etc. is chosen - what matters is how
it is used to support and develop the learning and teaching carried out
by the teaching staff. It is not the technology that matters - it's
making sure it is used effectively to support L&T. If it isn't - why
bother?
Laurence
Laurence Fouweather BSc MSc MBCS MIET
Director
Oxford Academic Technology Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)1865 451 670
Mobile: +44 (0)7968 692 380
Fax: +44 (0)7813 889 526
Web: http://www.oxact.com <http://www.oxact.com/>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Virtual Learning Environments
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Adam
> Sent: 29 January 2007 10:41
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [VLES] BECTA's Learning Platform Services Framework
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Peter Kilcoyne" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 10:02 AM
> Subject: Re: [VLES] BECTA's Learning Platform Services Framework
>
>
> I think the most striking thing about this list is the lack of an Open
> Source VLE. It seems BECTA have failed to learn one of the most
> important lessones from the FE experience which is that most colleages
> have now moved away from commercial VLEs which were not very
> successful and have started to move forward and make far more progress
> with Open Source solutions.
>
> Does anyone know if schools have to choose from this list or whether
> this is just a recommendation.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Virtual Learning Environments [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
> Behalf Of Simon Fitzpatrick
> Sent: 10 January 2007 09:47
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [VLES] BECTA's Learning Platform Services Framework
>
> Hi
>
> The following press release crept out on 22 Dec 2006 regarding
> 'approved'
> suppliers to BECTA's Learning Platform Services Framework:
>
> http://news.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resID=27053
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> best rgds
>
> simonf
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> Simon Fitzpatrick
> VTLE Developer
> Northumberland County Council
> Adult Learning
> Tel: 01670-533677
> Mob: 07742-223347
> --------------------------------------------------------------
>
> ***************** List information: ***************** Remember -
> replies go by default to the entire list.
> Access the list via the web on
> http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
> To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the message: leave
> vle
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> ---------
> This message is sent in confidence for the addressee only. It may
> contain confidential or sensitive information. The contents are not to
> be disclosed to anyone other than the addressee unless specific
> authorisation has been given by the sender. Unauthorised recipients
> are requested to preserve this confidentiality and to advise us of any
> errors in transmission. Thank you.
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> ---------
>
> ***************** List information: ***************** Remember -
> replies go by default to the entire list.
> Access the list via the web on
> http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
> To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the
> message: leave vle
>
> ***************** List information: ***************** Remember -
> replies go by default to the entire list.
> Access the list via the web on
> http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
> To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the
> message: leave vle
***************** List information: ***************** Remember - replies
go by default to the entire list.
Access the list via the web on http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the message: leave
vle
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
This message is sent in confidence for the addressee only. It may
contain confidential or sensitive information. The contents are not to
be disclosed to anyone other than the addressee unless specific
authorisation has been given by the sender. Unauthorised recipients are
requested to preserve this confidentiality and to advise us of any
errors in transmission. Thank you.
Save paper, only print this email if really necessary and think green.
Please turn off PC's and lights when not in use.
Don't just standby, Switch Off!
Worcester College of Technology EcoCampus Group.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
***************** List information: ***************** Remember - replies
go by default to the entire list.
Access the list via the web on http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the message: leave
vle
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
This message is sent in confidence for the addressee only. It may
contain confidential or sensitive information. The contents are not to
be disclosed to anyone other than the addressee unless specific
authorisation has been given by the sender. Unauthorised recipients are
requested to preserve this confidentiality and to advise us of any
errors in transmission. Thank you.
Save paper, only print this email if really necessary and think green.
Please turn off PC's and lights when not in use.
Don't just standby, Switch Off!
Worcester College of Technology EcoCampus Group.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
***************** List information: ***************** Remember - replies
go by default to the entire list.
Access the list via the web on http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the message: leave
vle
________________________________________________________________________
This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star. The service is
powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive anti-virus
service working around the clock, around the globe, visit:
http://www.star.net.uk <http://www.star.net.uk/>
________________________________________________________________________
**********************************************************************
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are
addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the
system manager.
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by
MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses.
www.clearswift.com
**********************************************************************
***************** List information: ***************** Remember - replies
go by default to the entire list.
Access the list via the web on http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the message: leave
vle
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
This message is sent in confidence for the addressee only. It may
contain confidential or sensitive information. The contents are not to
be disclosed to anyone other than the addressee unless specific
authorisation has been given by the sender. Unauthorised recipients are
requested to preserve this confidentiality and to advise us of any
errors in transmission. Thank you.
Save paper, only print this email if really necessary and think green.
Please turn off PC's and lights when not in use.
Don't just standby, Switch Off!
Worcester College of Technology EcoCampus Group.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
***************** List information: *****************
Remember - replies go by default to the entire list.
Access the list via the web on http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the message: leave
vle
***************** List information: *****************
Remember - replies go by default to the entire list.
Access the list via the web on http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the message: leave
vle
***************** List information: *****************
Remember - replies go by default to the entire list.
Access the list via the web on http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the message: leave vle
|
