The Educational Mainframe

Virtual Learning Environments (VLE’s) are software systems that support course management, administration and information and are regarded as the principal working platform for many educational providers. More importantly, these systems provide a technical solution from which e-learning can take place (Armitage et al. 2007, p.129) and many combine both functional and technical components that link the course database to the student database to facilitate learning (Martens and Achten 2008, online).

One such digital framework is MOODLE (an acronym for ‘Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment’), but unlike similar VLE’s, this system in particular is claimed to support “a social constructionist epistemology” (Wild 2008, pp.10-11). In layman’s terms, students are able to learn together as a collective by sharing knowledge and other associated resources by using forums, chats and wikis. In a pedagogic sense, its flexibility can therefore be used for a range of activities which may accommodate the various learning styles of the individual students.

However, although Moodle was designed to be both teacher and activity-centric, facilitators tend to use the system to store educational resources and to distribute the material to the learner when appropriate (Hart 2009, online). In this context, Moodle can then be interpreted as a mere resource repository and this can be attributed to the ignorance of the tutor who may be unaware of how to utilise the system to its full potential.

Reference List

Armitage, A., Bryant R., Dunhill, R., Flanagan, K., Hayes, D., Hudson, A., Kent, J., Lawes, S., and Renwick, M. (2007) Teaching and Training in Post Compulsory Education. 3rd Edition. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.

Berthelemy, M. (2009) Moodle – the wrong tool for the job? [Online]. Available: http://www.learning conversations.co.uk/main/index.php/2009/11/13/moodle-the-wron... [18th January 2010].

Martens, B., and Achten, H. (2008) Do you Moodle? Experiences with a Virtual Learning Environment. [Online]. Available: http://alexandria.tue.nl/openaccess/Metis219449.pdf [18th January 2010].

Wild, I. (2008) Moodle Course Conversion: Beginner’s Guide. Birmingham: PACKT Publishing.