Enhancing Real-Time Learning in our University VLE

Isobel Gordon

Jacqui Nicol

Background

• Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

• Moodle

– Hosted in-house

– Since pilot in 2007

Previous Virtual Classroom

• Wimba Classroom – Increasing use over 4 years

– Online presentations

– Tutorials

– Student collaboration and group work

• Licence agreement end & discontinuation of service

• Time to Review

Evaluation and Selection

• Criteria

• Options considered

– Open Source (Big Blue Button)

– Proprietary (Blackboard Collaborate)

– General web conferencing system (Adobe Connect)

• Selection process

Key Evaluation Criteria

Blackboard Collaborate Classroom

Integration

• Standard Moodle Activity

• Integration options

– Roles

– Groups

– Recording and archiving inside Moodle

Rollout Strategy (1)

• Train the trainer from Blackboard Collaborate

– 4 sessions

• Central and distributed support staff

– Technical Training

• Network

• Moodle Integration

• Administration

Rollout Strategy (2)

• Training

– Training materials created

– Package of materials created for eLearning Advisors to use

– Central ONLINE workshops scheduled

Training

• Online

• Hands on

• Interactive

• Trainee staff encouraged to use all the tools

• Access to Moodle area containing– User guides

– Forums for discussion

– Feedback area

Rollout Strategy (3)

Managed training

• Prior to integration

– Existing Wimba Classroom Users

• After integration

– New users

Impact

• Use since August 2013

– >200 classrooms set up

– On average used 5 times each

– Examples of changing practice

• Online Induction for ODL Engineering

Feedback

• Feedback from Staff

– Positive

– Easier to use

– Like archives appearing automatically in Moodle

– Plans for

• Careers service consultations with ODL students

• Library support for ODL students

Next Steps

• Waiting for new BbC which launches with own Java

• Promotion of advanced tools for – Plan tool for learning design

– Interactivity e.g. drag and drop and quizzes during sessions

• Wider rollout to support academic staff and support departments