An e-Learning Environment Based on the Moodle Platform for Iraq Universities

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muayed S AL-Huseiny

This paper proposes the deployment of learning management systems to provide virtual environment to higher education in Iraq. In this paper we show that implementing a learning management system (LMS) to manage learning process is within reach even with little material and human resources. This paper proposes an open source popular and free of charge platform called Moodle. We also show that other solutions such as web-based alternatives to LMS are completely unaffordable given the limited financial resources of our universities. The system is aimed for use by university level students and educators (teachers and instructors). Further, a deployment plan is given in this paper to provide a guidance and reference for the implementation requirements and steps of this LMS operation.

10.31355/42 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 065-077
Author(s):  
Agyei Fosu

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose...................................................................................................................................................................................................... The purpose of this study is to expand the knowledge base on factors likely to impede implementation and adoption of web-based learning management systems to blend with traditional methods of lecturing in universities to cater for the next generation of learners in Africa and Eastern Cape Province South Africa in particular. Background........................................................................................................................................................................................................ The shift from the industrial economies to 21st century digital and knowledge-based economies, fueled by rapid Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) such as Internet, YouTube, Chartrooms, Skype, Social media networks and its introduction to the educational system not only resulted in a new teaching approach globally but also paved way to usher in new generation of learners (anytime, anywhere learners) in the higher education system. Despite the fact that universities and other institutions of higher education in developed countries and some Africa countries have since recognized that the 21st century global digital and knowledge-based economies evolution has ushered in the next generation of learners, and as a result have taken the necessary steps to blend the traditional method of lecturing in higher education with web-based learning management systems in order to accommodate these learners. However, in Africa not much research have been done on the readiness of higher education institutions in terms of blending web-based learning management systems with the traditional method of lecturing to cater for the next generation of learners. Methodology....................................................................................................................................................................................................... Quantitative and two non-probability sampling methods, namely, quota and purposive sampling was used to investigate the technological skills of selected lecturers from universities within Buffalo City Metropolitan as one of the core component to check the readiness of their faculty for the next generation of learners. Contribution........................................................................................................................................................................................................ This research will add to the growing knowledge about the blending of web-based learning management with the traditional style of lecturing in higher education in the 21st century digital economies. Findings.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. The results indicated that the participating lecturers need to be trained and sup-ported in the skills of using of the ICTs and computer programs applicable to enhance web-based learning in teaching and learning environment in higher education in order to cater for the next generation of learners associated with the 21st century digital economies. Recommendations for Practitioners................................................................................................................................................................. Much as there is a need for increased in investment in infrastructure within higher education institutions to support teaching and learning, continuous sup-port and training for academics to be technologically literate and also be abreast on rapidly evolving field of ICTs is paramount as it can expedite the teaching and learning process in higher education. Recommendation for Researchers................................................................................................................................................................... There is the need to explore in depth the other two components suggested by Mishra and Koehler (2007) which can serve as barriers for successfully integration of technology into teaching and learning by locus of knowledge. Impact on Society............................................................................................................................................................................................... The research will assist stakeholders, policy makers and agencies tasked with transforming institutions of higher learning to identify the barriers likely to hinder transformation efforts and address them accordingly. Future Research................................................................................................................................................................................................. Conducting research on technological skills of students are critical in this context.


Author(s):  
Betul Özkan Czerkawski ◽  
Dawn Panagiota Gonzales

A Learning Management System (LMS) offers a set of tools for e-learning delivery and management. For institutions offering online or blended courses, an LMS has a profound impact on teaching and learning because it is the main technology used in higher education e-learning courses. This chapter discusses major trends, issues, and challenges with the LMS in the context of online instruction for higher education. The chapter ends with a discussion of new trends with LMSs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Consuelo Sáiz-Manzanares ◽  
César Ignacio García Osorio ◽  
José Francisco Díez-Pastor ◽  
Luis Jorge Martín Antón

PurposeRecent research in higher education has pointed out that personalized e-learning through the use of learning management systems, such as Moodle, improves the academic results of students and facilitates the detection of at-risk students.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 124 students following the Degree in Health Sciences at the University of Burgos participated in this study. The objectives were as follows: to verify whether the use of a Moodle-based personalized e-learning system will predict the learning outcomes of students and the use of effective learning behaviour patterns and to study whether it will increase student satisfaction with teaching practice.FindingsThe use of a Moodle-based personalized e-learning system that included problem-based learning (PBL) methodology predicted the learning outcomes by 42.3 per cent, especially with regard to the results of the quizzes. In addition, it predicted effective behavioural patterns by 74.2 per cent. Increased student satisfaction levels were also identified through the conceptual feedback provided by the teacher, arguably because it facilitated a deeper understanding of the subject matter.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this work should be treated with caution, because of the sample size and the specificity of the branch of knowledge of the students, as well as the design type. Future studies will be directed at increasing the size of the sample and the diversity of the qualifications.Originality/valueLearning methodology in the twenty-first century has to be guided towards carefully structured work from the pedagogic point of view in the learning management systems allowing for process-oriented feedback and PBL both included in personalized e-learning systems.


Author(s):  
Fernando Lera-López ◽  
Javier Faulin ◽  
Angel A. Juan ◽  
Victor Cavaller

In this chapter the authors first explain the recently created European Higher Education Area and its implications over instructors’ and students’ roles. They also analyze how e-learning management systems are contributing to modify higher education around the world, and which are the benefits and the challenges associated to their use. In this new educational scenario, the authors discuss the importance of monitoring students’ and groups’ activity and performance, and some of the monitoring tools already available in the most popular learning management systems are reviewed. Then, after identifying the informational necessities of online instructors and students, the authors propose a data-analysis model to assist instructors by providing them with easy-to-understand and updated visual reports. Instructors can use these reports to classify students and groups according to their activity and learning outcomes, track their evolution, and identify those who might need immediate guidance or assistance.


2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 152-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Davie

Objective: To introduce and present techniques for incorporating mobile learning into athletic training education. Background: The matriculation of digital natives into college has stimulated the identification and development of new teaching and learning strategies. Electronic learning (e-learning), including the use of learning management systems, has been combined with traditional classroom lectures and lab activities to address the needs of these technologically savvy students. Learning management systems offer valuable options to students, but still rely on a computer terminal to interface with the material. Restrictions on when and where a student can “plug-in” to learn places limitations on e-learning. Mobile learning (m-learning) is a sub-set of e-learning that uses hand-held devices to allow flexibility in learning at any time and any place. M-learning involves the use of mobile devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and portable media players for the purposes of acquiring and disseminating knowledge. A variety of methods have been identified for incorporating m-learning into higher education. Articles regarding the use of m-learning, specifically in health care education, are limited. Description: Descriptions of m-learning applications in higher education are presented. Examples of techniques are offered to aid the athletic training instructor in implementing the m-learning principles into the classroom and clinical settings. Application: Athletic training education lends itself well to m-learning. Athletic training students can utilize mobile devices to prepare for an upcoming class session, participate during class, review and study course materials, communicate with teachers and peers, enhance clinical education, and document clinical experiences.


Author(s):  
S. M. Samarasinghe ◽  
G D T D Chandrasiri

Developments in Information technology has made rapid changes in the traditional teaching and learning methods in organizations, such as higher education institutions. This new method of teaching and learning is enabled mainly through Learning Management Systems. Issues in effective implementation and management of such systems have drawn the attention of many researchers. However, LMS success research still lacks particularly in the Sri Lankan higher education context. Hence, the purpose of this research was to examine the success of e-Learning systems in the Sri Lankan higher education context. The conceptual model was tested by fitting it to data collected from undergraduate students using learning management systems. This was the first study to test a multidimensional e-Learning systems success model (DeLone and McLean’s, 2003, IS success model) in the Sri Lankan context. Of the quality dimensions considered, quality of the information/content provided by the system was the most influential. Student satisfaction had the largest effect size on benefits to students. This study provides meaningful insights particularly relevant to e-Learning implementers in higher education in Sri Lanka.


Author(s):  
Abdeleh Bassam Al Amoush ◽  
Kamaljeet Sandhu

Academic higher education has adopted the use of internet technologies such as web-based digital learning systems. Digital learning management systems (DLMSs) have widely been utilized by many universities as a tool that fosters learning activities due to its prevailing unique environment. DLMS is a software-driven tool with different features; hence, different universities adopt different DLMSs that meet their expectations in terms of helping their administrators, instructors, and students learning the processes. The research aims to examine collected qualitative data through a case study methodology coupled with semi-structured interviews as the data collection method. The interviews are analyzed deeply based on the research findings to gain insights on how the implementation of the digital learning management systems influences the learning perspective of instructors as far as universities and the higher education sector is concerned.


2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Arnold

ICT support for learning communities in higher education has become commonplace over the last decade. Within universities, there are usually various bottom-up initiatives, using different tools and educational designs to support learning and teaching. As this often takes place with little or no strategic approach to sustainability, at a given point universities strive for an “e-learning strategy”: They try to streamline the various initiatives and to endorse a learning management system that works across faculties. But how to design a strategy and sustainable support services that embrace the expectations of all stakeholders? To add complexity to this design process, there is not only a broad selection of learning management systems available for higher education, but also a strong movement pushing for web 2.0 applications and open educational resources instead of closed learning management systems. Thus – often incommensurate - expectations fly high from all sides. This situation forms the backdrop of the investigation at hand: The paper describes and analyses a participatory planning and implementation process of an e-learning strategy and implementation system at a higher education institute. It focuses on expectations that arise and have to be dealt with - both expected and unexpected ones, with a special emphasis on the inherent tension between implementing a closed learning management system and designing for open educational resources. Furthermore, it looks at unanticipated alliances and at unexpected turns in the development process. Results can inform similar design processes that need to resolve the inherent contradictions between open and closed systems as well as top-down and bottom-up approaches to changes of a learning culture.


2012 ◽  
pp. 1276-1293
Author(s):  
Fernando Lera-López ◽  
Javier Faulin ◽  
Angel A. Juan ◽  
Victor Cavaller

In this chapter the authors first explain the recently created European Higher Education Area and its implications over instructors’ and students’ roles. They also analyze how e-learning management systems are contributing to modify higher education around the world, and which are the benefits and the challenges associated to their use. In this new educational scenario, the authors discuss the importance of monitoring students’ and groups’ activity and performance, and some of the monitoring tools already available in the most popular learning management systems are reviewed. Then, after identifying the informational necessities of online instructors and students, the authors propose a data-analysis model to assist instructors by providing them with easy-to-understand and updated visual reports. Instructors can use these reports to classify students and groups according to their activity and learning outcomes, track their evolution, and identify those who might need immediate guidance or assistance.


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