The Search for the Truth Behind the Rumour Dispelling Open Source VLE myths Bryony Bramer Leo Havemann Sarah Sherman The Bloomsbury Colleges
Dec 19, 2014
The Search for the Truth Behind the Rumour
Dispelling Open Source VLE myths
Bryony Bramer Leo Havemann Sarah Sherman
The Bloomsbury Colleges
© Ewan Mura
Photo credit: Ewan Munrohttp://www.flickr.com/photos/55935853@N00/2445298176/
A bit about us...
Aims & Objectives
• Our view
• The current options
• Defining some myths
• Weighing up the pros and cons
• What about you?
So Many Options
In the short term the question is whether/when to upgrade.
But looking beyond...
8
... is the VLE dead??
Should we now be thinking about PLEs?
Photo credit: http://twitpic.com/photos/vaughany
VLE Options
Assuming we do need a VLE...
8
Open Source Myths (1)
“Open source is free”
• No licence cost.
• We would still have hosting / managed hosting costs.
• Additional staff resourcing - probably need developers (ongoing), and migration support (project).
“Open source is cool and sexy”
• Bandwagon appeal – seems like others are doing it
• Doesn’t address pedagogy, usability or financial dimensions
Open Source Myths (2)
Open Source Myths (3)
“If it’s free - it can’t be as good”
• Equating price point with quality
• Many institutions seem happy with their Open Source VLEs
• But often they have put in significant development work
Open Source Myths (4)
“There’s no support for it”
• Where does the buck stop? With us!
•Or our managed hosting provider.
• User communities provide advice, guidance and freebies they have developed.
Option A: Stick with Blackboard 8Pros: •Easy•Familiar•Stable•Integrated•Standard
Cons: •Out-dated•Limited features•No long-term support •Restrictive•Expensive
Option B: Upgrade to Blackboard 9Pros: •More Features•Up-to-date•User-friendly•Familiar•Simple upgrade
Cons: •Over-hyped?•Need to relearn•Compatibility•Expensive•Restrictive
Option B: Upgrade to Blackboard 9Survey Feedback:
Option B: Upgrade to Blackboard 9Survey Feedback:
“easier to navigate”“more attractive layout”
“easier to find stuff” “more modern”
“It just doesn't get in the way so much”
Option B: Upgrade to Blackboard 9Survey Feedback:
“too much on the screen” “more clutter”
“far more 'buttons'” “seems slower”
“can't see what the improvement is”
Option B: Upgrade to Blackboard 9Pros: •More Features•Up-to-date•User-friendly•Familiar •Simple upgrade
Cons: •Over-hyped?•Need to relearn•Compatibility•Expensive•Restrictive
Option C: Move to an Open Source VLE
Pros: •Cost•Adaptable•Community support•User configurable•Download & go
Cons: •No 'official' support•Staffing requirements•Unfamiliar•Future •Responsibility
Summary
• Does it come down to which is the best product?
• Impact / Change management
• What next?
Your thoughts…
• Is your institution thinking 'what next'? • Any points we haven't touched on?
• Please discuss!