Choosing MOODLE

Abstract

Athabasca University-Canada's Open University evaluated learning management systems (LMS) for use by the university. Evaluative criteria were developed in order to ensure that different platforms were tested against weighted criteria representing the needs of the university. Three LMSs (WebCt, LotusNotes, and Moodle) were selected for the evaluation. Moodle was chosen with 11 first place ratings and with only one third place rating. Lotus Notes was second with five first place ratings. Moodle garnered 40% of the total weighted score with Lotus Notes getting 32%, and WebCT 29%. The first place preferences within individual criteria show the following: WebCT 6; LotusNotes 7; and Moodle 58.

The Infrastructure of Openness: Results from a Multi-Institutional Survey on OER Platforms

“…Similarly, Stewart, Briton, Gismondi, Heller, Kennepohl, McGreal, & Nelson (2007) provide a case study from Athabasca University regarding the adoption of the open source learning management system, Moodle. In their study, they outline a process they used to undertake the evaluation of the new tool, including defining evaluation criteria (with specific factors identified related to systems administration, cost, instructional design, and teaching and learning tools).…”

Emerging Technologies in Distance Education

“…Animated pedagogical agents can be defined as animated computergenerated characters that respond to user input, adapt to user behaviour, and facilitate learning in a computer-based learning environment (Johnson, Shaw, & Ganeshan, 1998). Given the growing role of course management systems and e-learning in distance education (Holmes & Gardner, 2006;Stewart, Gismondi, Heller, Kennepohl, McGreal, & Nelson, 2007), it is important to examine the claims surrounding the benefits of APAs and the possible role that APAs could play in distance education. Johnson, Rickel, and Lester (2000) argue that APAs were created when animated interface agents were combined with intelligent tutor systems (ITSs), the de facto standard of computer-based learning environments.…”