Research: Benefits of using Moodle

 

From Computers in the Classroom, January, 2007, Ray Le Couteur's study of benefits of using Moodle on students' writing Ray Le Couteur.doc

Main Benefits for Teachers:

- To post own tasks online, linked directly to relevant websites.

- To provide lesson information, resources, syllabus for long term absentees.

- To provide an ordered list of course requirements; gave structure to

students work (and helped organise the teacher). Also supported NQT -

materials are dated and helped to guide teaching speed.

- To post exemplar work/model answers for pupils online.

- Ease of use of Moodle enabled regular updating of links/materials. Teacher

could edit/add new links in lessons, immediately they are suggested by

students.

- Skills ‘toolbox’, essay planners etc posted online.

- Revision materials posted online – for pupils with identified problems.

- General paperwork, syllabuses, trip letters, health and safety forms posted

online to save admin.

- Homework posted online – no excuse for forgetting/misinterpreting tasks.

Generally, teachers used the VLE as an extension of their classroom practice. It

was only rarely used to develop new teaching approaches.

Main Benefits for Students (cited in questionnaires - % citation)

- Helped with revision (50%).

- Extended my learning (39%).

- Helped me keep up with difficult topics (33%).

- Enabled me to keep up with work when absent (25%).

- Helped me manage my own learning (eg. move ahead at my own pace)

(19%).