Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Review

1. Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Review Upgrade or switch? Learning & Teaching Enhancement Unit | Computing Services | Corporate Information Services

2. VLE review | why a review now? • Need to upgrade our current version of Blackboard (Bb) • A growing number of HEIs have looked at the Moodle alternative • At a turning point in how the University uses technology enhanced learning • Review has two elements: • User needs analysis and systems preferences • Other considerations • A report will go to SMT early June • Planning on phased implementation 2011-2012 Learning & Teaching Enhancement Unit | Computing Services | Corporate Information Services

3. VLE review | what we are evaluating • Blackboard (Bb) version 9.1 and Moodle 2.0 • Why just Bb and Moodle? There are few other VLEs on the market. Bb holds 55% of the market, Moodle 23% • Is widespread agreement in the sector that all VLEs have similar capability – what differentiates them is: • Licensing • Maintenance, support and development model • How configured, and how they integrate with other systems • System interface and structure Learning & Teaching Enhancement Unit | Computing Services | Corporate Information Services

4. VLE review | needs analysis and user preferences • Key considerations – user evaluation: • What we currently use Bb for • What likely future needs we will have • That both systems can do what we want • Which systems staff and students prefer Learning & Teaching Enhancement Unit | Computing Services | Corporate Information Services

5. VLE review | other considerations • Key considerations - other: • Potential new functions • Data security and system resilience • Resourcing implications of upgrading v switching • Compatibility with associated software • Integration with other systems including student record system • Transition options, strategies and timescales • University’s new strategic plan Learning & Teaching Enhancement Unit | Computing Services | Corporate Information Services

6. VLE review | systems demo and questions Upgrade or switch? Learning & Teaching Enhancement Unit | Computing Services | Corporate Information Services

7. VLE review | key similarities and differences • Similarities: • Secure environment • Home page • Course areas • Hold a wide variety file types including media • Have a variety of interactive tools including discussion board, blogs, wikis, • Both have on screen editing/control panel • Both can be configured by the institution in terms of look and feel • Both have assessment e-submission capabilities Learning & Teaching Enhancement Unit | Computing Services | Corporate Information Services

8. VLE review | key similarities and differences • Differences: • Course structure - sub-folders in Bb, flat in Moodle • Use different approaches for course announcements – Moodle uses a news forum for this. • No course email in Moodle - again, messages need to be sent via forums. • Bb has an official mobile app, Moodle currently in development. • Moodle has extended profile functionality. Learning & Teaching Enhancement Unit | Computing Services | Corporate Information Services

9. VLE review | your views • Over to you – the PCs in this room are pointing to an online anonymous survey which we would be grateful if you could complete. • Thank you for your views and time. Learning & Teaching Enhancement Unit | Computing Services | Corporate Information Services

10. Take the anonymous online questionnaire to give us your views at:https://survey.canterbury.ac.uk/vlestaff/