Effective e-
learning from
far, far awayM van Rooyen
Background
Blackboard(Webstudies) main LMS
Client side Java – install Java on
computer
Browser dependant
Bandwidth intensive
Background – on campus
Works very well on campus
Students work in computer areas –
lab technicians
Lap tops – IT – technicians
Bandwidth no issue – intra-network
Background – Post Grad
SU – runs number of post graduate
programmes – part time students
Number of students increase every
year
Make use of e-learning. Inter-
telematic sessions, broadcast of
lessons and LMS for distribution of
files, assignments and assessments.
Department of Nursing
>50
8%
40 -
50
45%
30 -
40
31%
< 30
16%
Age distribution of students Post-graduate
programmes
All students are off-
campus - Germany
Students are mostly
older than 40
Background – off campus
Students don’t know computers
Limited access to technology
Bandwidth and configuration
requirements pose technical
challenges for off-campus students.
Large problem – nurse students
were unable to complete quizzes
Problems with Webstudies
Configuration of web browsers
Installation of Java
Internet Cafés
Bandwidth
Files download
quizzes
Pilot study - Moodle
Less demanding in terms of bandwidth
and configuration requirements
PHP programming language
No configuration of computer e.g. Java
installation
Not browser dependant
MLE-Moodle
Post Graduate Diploma in
Nursing
181 students were enrolled for the
program in 2010
Four different modules were
created on Virtual Nurse (the name
of the Moodle based system) for the
second semester.
Formative Evaluation
Quantitive Data
Queries from both Learning
Management System databases
Polls
The queries
1 Module
2 quizzes
951 attempts
4 modules
Six quizzes
802 attempts
Results of the Queries
34 reset due to
technical errors
1 reset due to
technical error
The polls
Virtual Nurse Webstudies
Which LMS is faster to use? 22 7
Which one do you prefer to use? 10 8
Which LMS is better for completing
quizzes in?
9 5
Which LMS is easier to use? 11 8
The way forward
Number of quiz attempts reset due
to user errors
Students don’t know computers
One day workshop
First years – compulsory ICT module
Face to face
Full time
The way forward
Not compulsory for post graduate
Short courses
Blended learning approach
One day workshop – extended
with online learning
MLE-Moodle
In 2008, 92 people per 100 people
had access to cellular phones in
South Africa
7 who had fixed internet access
Research Mobile Learning
Conclusion
Currently 3 different Moodle installations
Not Open Source vs. Proprietary battle
Find the right tool for the circumstances
Number of students increase every year
Find the right tool to help students