Virtual Learning Environments
Introduction to Computing
PM102 - Introduction to Computing
Ayelen Martin Martinez, [Title]
Executive Summary
This report is based on the online & distance learning mediums, VLE’s. It’s focused on three open source and proprietary VLE software platforms: Blackboard, Moodle and Fronter. All three are analyzed by presenting their functions, advantages and disadvantages. The report concludes with a comparison of them and their position in the market share showing how these learning environments have developed over time.
Contents
Executive Summary 2
Introduction 4
Moodle 7
Fronter 9
Conclusion 12
Bibliography 14
Introduction
VLE’S (Virtual Learning Environments) also called Learning Management Systems, Course Management Systems, Integrated learning systems, etc. were originally based on distance learning and are online systems aimed to meet the teaching and learning needs of an educating setting. They help deliver learning anytime and anywhere a device with an internet connection is available.
It’s a more modern approach to the education system which attracts students attention and enhances learning in various ways by using a computer and the internet. They work over hardware and software. Whilst the hardware is the physical part of a computer system the software is the one that interpretates information and gives directions to the hardware breaking down the communication received from the user about their needs to accomplish what they want. Resources such as documents, handouts, presentations, links to websites, videos, animated content and audio can be stored and shared on the VLE.
Blackboard The Blackboard Platform is focused on the higher education environment allowing teachers to add resources on the web for student access. Their aim is to reach a global set of users with different learning methods. PDF documents, power point presentations, etc. are integrated within blackboard so students can easily access them by using
PM102 - Introduction to Computing
Ayelen Martin Martinez, [Title]
Executive Summary
This report is based on the online & distance learning mediums, VLE’s. It’s focused on three open source and proprietary VLE software platforms: Blackboard, Moodle and Fronter. All three are analyzed by presenting their functions, advantages and disadvantages. The report concludes with a comparison of them and their position in the market share showing how these learning environments have developed over time.
Contents
Executive Summary 2
Introduction 4
Moodle 7
Fronter 9
Conclusion 12
Bibliography 14
Introduction
VLE’S (Virtual Learning Environments) also called Learning Management Systems, Course Management Systems, Integrated learning systems, etc. were originally based on distance learning and are online systems aimed to meet the teaching and learning needs of an educating setting. They help deliver learning anytime and anywhere a device with an internet connection is available.
It’s a more modern approach to the education system which attracts students attention and enhances learning in various ways by using a computer and the internet. They work over hardware and software. Whilst the hardware is the physical part of a computer system the software is the one that interpretates information and gives directions to the hardware breaking down the communication received from the user about their needs to accomplish what they want. Resources such as documents, handouts, presentations, links to websites, videos, animated content and audio can be stored and shared on the VLE.
Blackboard The Blackboard Platform is focused on the higher education environment allowing teachers to add resources on the web for student access. Their aim is to reach a global set of users with different learning methods. PDF documents, power point presentations, etc. are integrated within blackboard so students can easily access them by using
Bibliography: * Organisation. (2013). LMS Strategy. Available: http://www.deltainitiative.com/higher-education/lms-strategy. Last accessed 12th April 2013. * N/A. (2012). RSC Quick guide. Available: http://moodle.rsc-em.ac.uk/pluginfile.php/245/course/section/106/What_is_Moodle.pdf. Last accessed 12th April 2013. * Imaginary University. (2013). Kaltura Video Package for Moodle 2.x .Available: http://moodle2.kaltura.com/. Last accessed 12th April 2013. * BlackBoard . (2013). Blackboard Colloborate. Available: http://www.brainshark.com/blackboardinc/vu?pi=zHBzur4jMz35Sgz0. Last accessed 12th April 2013. * Bradford, P. (2007). THE BLACKBOARD LEARNING SYSTEM. Available: http://uupinfo.org/research/working/bradford.pdf. Last accessed 12th April 2013. * Fronter. (2013). How to get started. Available: http://fronter.com/courses/video/01_How_to_get_started/010_060_start.htm. Last accessed 12th April 2013. * Logan, K & Neumann, T. (2013).Comparison of Blackboard 9.1 and Moodle 2.0. Available: http://www.lkl.ac.uk/ltu/files/publications/Comparison_Bb9-Mdl2_Aug2010.pdf. Last accessed 12th April 2013. * Organisation. (2013). A usability comparison of Fronter and Moodle Virtual Learning Environments. Available: http://www.shift-learning.co.uk/component/content/article/133.html. Last accessed 12th April 2013. * N/A. (2007). Moodle vs Fronter, . Available: http://www.edugeek.net/forums/virtual-learning-platforms/8079-moodle-vs-fronter-need-opinions-2.html. Last accessed 12th April 2013 * N/A. (2008). VLE. Available: http://www.techterms.com/definition/vle. Last accessed 2nd April 2013.