This week, I am writing my blog about my thoughts on Moodle, and how I will use it in my classes. I like to say that I look at things optimistically, and at first I was not too nervous about installing Moodle and exploring some of the features on it. When I first went to install it on Wednesday, I thought that I was following the correct procedure, and installing the correct version of Moodle. However, somewhere along the process, and after rereading some things, I realized that I had to go back and install a different version of Moodle. I did this, and then went on to install Jing. I have to say that I think that Jing is pretty cool, and I really like what I have seen of it. I did, however have to install it twice to get it to work.
After reading some of my colleagues’ posts in section 5.1, and discovering that I was not the only one who had difficulty with Moodle, I immediately thought to myself: I either did this wrong, or I got really lucky. I think I got lucky, and after installing the correct version of Moodle, I was able to explore some of the features of it. One thing that I especially like is the calendar where you can add events. I love being able to see events and have reminders when items are approaching.
As I explored some other features of Moodle, I found some that I think I would use in my Tech Ed classes, but I think that I need to explore them a little further. I do like what I saw of the grading system. Right now, I use Power School at my school district, and I find that an online grading system is extremely beneficial. Although this grading system is a bit different, I think it can be adjusted to suit my needs for my classes.
Another feature that one of my colleagues brought to my attention in a 5.1 post was the feature that lets you insert comments. Any type of feedback is essential to have a productive learning environment. Being able to insert a quick comment is a great way to let students know a teacher’s thoughts on their work.
I can also see myself using Jing when I make instruction packets for students. It is a great feature to further illustrate key points when explaining a lesson. For example, check out the screen shot below.
Besides teaching wood shop, I also teach drafting. In both subject areas, I am constantly creating project instructions and many times have to focus on key details that really impact the projects. In the picture above, if the angle is slightly off, then the picture will be distorted. It is a small detail that plays a large part. The link below contains the full lesson of creating two dimensional drawings from a three dimensional object.
I can honestly say that I do not completely understand how to use Moodle. I am sure that over the next couple of weeks, I will understand Moodle a little better, and hopefully the outcome will be successful.
Resources:
Cooch, M. (2011).Moodle 2.0 First Look. Birmingham-Mumbai: PACKT Publishing
The Fundamentals of Orthographic Drawings. Teacher Tube. Retrieved on November 26, 2011 From http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=199067&title=The_fundamentals_of_Orthographic_drawings
I as well installed the wrong Moodle the first time. Luckily I had read someone else’s blog right before downloading, and since she had a problem as well, I quickly just downloaded the version that she downloaded next and my problem was fixed quickly. Other than that, like you, I have found many things in moodle but still do not know all of what Moodle offers. I also think that the calendar feature is very beneficial. My school uses Powerschool as an online grading system as well so while I feel that the grading system on Moodle is interesting and would be beneficial, I do not find it necessary to use more than one system.
Moodle sure has given some us a run this week. I’m happy that you did not come across to much trouble and was able to utilize the program effectively. I would suggest seeing if a backup of your moodle site is something that can be performed. I remember reading a little about this but not sure exactly what it entails. Just a suggestion since I lost my original site and had to start over.
I think you will find JING very useful in your classes. As you pointed out feedback is always useful. I think this goes hand and hand with the effectivness of communication and collaboration in classrooms. Thru collaboration new thoughts and ideas are promoted.
I’m not sure how im feeling about moodle so far, but I can see how a tech ed teacher can get a lot of use out of Jing. I like the whole insert comment thing with jing…I teach history and it can be boring so I started usiing Jing to give historical figures dialogue boxes. That probably isn’t the most effective way to use jing, but it makes me laugh.
I didn’t investigate the grading portion of moodle since we use Power School as well, but I’m concerned about everyone seeing other students’ grades. I know of an instance where a teacher got in trouble for posting grades for all to see. Is there a privacy feature where only the logged in student can see his/her grades? I like the jing as well. It really clarifies for the students.