After I explored the Blackboard test site and the Moodle test site, I decided to do some research for this blog post.
Both Blackboard and Moodle are course management systems (CMS). Blackboard is a commercial course management system, and Moodle is an open-source course management system. These systems provide the framework for putting courses online and allow students to remain connected twenty-four hours a day. Blackboard claims that they welcome open-source competitors because that increases the interest in using course management systems.
Besides being a course management system, Blackboard’s site lists other uses including blending learning models, credit recovery, online professional development, and virtual programs.
Blackboard’s price tag would keep us from using it at my high school, but it would be my preference between Blackboard and Moodle. Of course, having used it as a student makes it easier to comprehend how it works. Getting the opportunity to see how it works from the instructor’s point of view was a great opportunity.
Moodle is a “Course Management System (CMS), also known as a Learning Management System (LMS) or a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It is a free web application with a GPL license that educators can use to create effective online learning sites.” Prior to this class, I have explored Moodle and have had the tech person set it up on our server. My first question when I start something new is “how does the student see it?” There is an option in Moodle that lets you switch roles so that you can see how it is viewed by the student.
My department has hopes of possibly implementing Moodle next school year so that we can better prepare students for college. Last week I was at a dese workshop at UCM, and the instructor mentioned that they used OIS (Online Instructor’s Suite), which is considered a learning management system (LMS) developed by SEMO (Southeast Missouri State) and free. Before we make the final decision to implement, we want to continue to explore our options because not only the research takes time, but also working with the IT people to set it up, and then how to implement it efficiently and to make it engaging for the students.
I think implementing Moodle would be a great optio to get students ready for college. It takes some getting used to to be sure to log in and be an active participant online. During my undergrad, even my face to face classes used Blackboard.
ReplyDeleteGreat background information on the two programs. I think that it is also a good idea to implement this in some upper level high school classes. There are so many colleges that are going to online classes.
ReplyDeleteI think you have some great points, especially about implementing Moodle into high school classes to get them ready. That would be great!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds fun...using an program that a team close to home created!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the research the additional information is really helpful. :) It would be nice if there was transition from high school to college with course management. I like how the Warrensburg School District uses Powerschool and I can log in and see my kids grades anytime and their absences. Not really an issue for my family, but as they get to high school it can be a great tool.
ReplyDeleteYou shared some good information. I haven't really thought about all of this from an IT perspective. I wonder which they would prefer?
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff Karen!! Thanks for taking the time to do the extra research! I like BB because I am used to it but there are a few things in Moodle that makes it easier (I think) to create. Using an LMS in HS is a great idea. It will make transitioning to college smoother I think - esp. now that a lot of classes are offered online!
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see high schools using online resources. I am subbing in a district and worked in a high school where the teacher had the whole assignment on Blackboard. That is another convince of online learning for teachers and students(and subs).
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