The Moodle chat activity module is a simple, basic chatroom platform specifically designed for learning and closely integrated with Moodle courses. Learners can chat, teachers can monitor and participate. Chats can be whole class or in small groups. Moodle saves the transcripts of all chat sessions. This means that teachers and learners can copy transcripts… Continue reading Using the Moodle Chat activity module for learning
Tag: social learning
Safe social networking alternatives
In a previous post that I co-authored with Jeff Dionne, A thorny issue: Protecting teachers’ and learners’ right to privacy, we highlighted some of the ethical and legal risks of using popular commercial social networking and micro blogging sites such as Facebook, Google+ and Twitter for educational purposes. Although modern LMS’ built on Social Constructivist… Continue reading Safe social networking alternatives
Do you want to get started with Moodle?
My first article of 2012, and here’s a quick “How to” guide for teachers, directors of studies, academic managers or anyone who wants to get started with Moodle from a non-IT background. It’s easy, cheap (free) and doesn’t require you to make any commitments or sign any contracts. About Moodle As you may already know,… Continue reading Do you want to get started with Moodle?
A thorny issue: Protecting teachers’ and learners’ right to privacy
Introduction Elearning is booming and many schools are investigating the advantages and opportunities afforded by using the WWW to enhance participation in learning activities and add value to the courses they offer. The following guide is intended to help schools and teachers avoid some of the risks involved in encouraging or requiring learners of all… Continue reading A thorny issue: Protecting teachers’ and learners’ right to privacy
What’s SMIL and why should we use it?
OK, here comes a geeky article about elearning and data management best practices. Although the issues are very technical in nature, they require the support of well-informed management so that the most appropriate decisions can be made. Understanding these issues from the outset can save you or your organisation a lot of time, effort and… Continue reading What’s SMIL and why should we use it?
New Avatar (profile picture) Camera app
Introducing a new Flash app for the SWF Activity Module for Moodle that is possibly the quickest easiest way for learners and teachers to change or update their avatars (profile pictures). Using your computer or mobile device’s webcam, the app saves your photo directly to Moodle without saving images to your desktop or uploading. When… Continue reading New Avatar (profile picture) Camera app
An alternative approach to EFL/ESL course design
The following article is a tentative presentation of a few ideas for an alternative approach to EFL/ESL course design that incorporate the rapidly evolving technologies and social norms of the 21st century. The ideas I’m presenting here are by no means new or my own. My intention is to share my thoughts and hopefully stimulate… Continue reading An alternative approach to EFL/ESL course design
EFL elearning course content design criteria
Elearning presents new challenges, both technological and pedagogical, to EFL course content developers when transferring their knowledge and skills to on-line learning. In all learning, there are critical considerations to take into account when developing effective, motivating and engaging courses. However, it’s easy for teachers and content developers who are unfamiliar with web technologies to… Continue reading EFL elearning course content design criteria
Making the transition from the classroom to on-line
As elearning becomes more popular and more learners’ expect elearning in some form as a part of their course, more schools and academies are thinking about adopting a learning management system to meet their expectations. So how does an organisation make the transition from the classroom to on-line learning activities? What can you successfully transfer… Continue reading Making the transition from the classroom to on-line
Top nine reasons to use a learning management system (LMS)
Installing a Learning Management System (LMS), creating online learning resources, and training your tutors and administrative staff to use it is a big commitment for any learning and teaching organisation. So why do it? What are the benefits? Here is a quick run down of what I think are the top nine reasons to use… Continue reading Top nine reasons to use a learning management system (LMS)