KEWL – An Open Source Learning Management

SystemClaudette Muller

Wits School of EducationThe University of the Witwatersrand

South Africa

What is KEWL?Knowledge

Environment for Web Based Learning

Online Teaching and Learning

• 7 B Ed Honours students• Investigates how to teach in an

online environment within an online environment• Blended approach of both online

& contact sessions

Students form a picture of what it is that a facilitator should or should not do in

order to effectively support learning & assessment in an online learning environment

Focus:

Model effective learning & assessment practice in an integrated, technology-

assisted teaching-learning environment.

How?

Quality criteria – NADEOSA 2005

Content and teaching approach support learners in achieving the learning outcomesStudent presented with background to

the topic

Complete required readings

Complete required

tasks

submit required tasks

receive feedback

Student required to reflect on own teaching practice

Student reflects, adds

to understanding & progresses through next

topic

Student’s interest sparkedStudent updates blog

Discussion forum

2 of 7 students

All students6 of 7

students

All students5 of 7 students

“The blog was pretty useful. It caused us to reflect on each task that was

completed. Assists us to keep track and get some insight into how the other

students are feeling”

“The blog allowed me to keep up. Not fall behind and express my personal views

about the topic of the week”

Student comments from post-course questionnaire

Discussion forum

Students positive commentsI thought KEWL was great. It answered all my questions & there was no need to constantly ask the instructor.

Made material & communication convenient & accessible

It is like a teacher but a more patient one, because you can go back whenever you want

Students positive commentsIt taught me to be more proactive & independent.

It was time saving. All the info pertaining to the course was readily availableI think that all courses

should be readily available online as it saves an incredible amount of time should problems or questions arise. You simply go to the website. Eezy-peezy!

Students negative comments

Not everyone contributed to discussion forums

Calendar not used effectively

A lecturer not being readily available

Chat sessions a bit jumbled

Students motivated by marks

• Students were very interested by this – even a bit nervous• Most did not know that such software

existed• “It made me own my work”• “I was happy to learn about it & run my

assignment through it”

Thank you

www.chisimba.comavoir.uwc.ac.zaelearn.wits.ac.za