The overall aim of this study was to draw-up recommendations on how the collaborative virtual learning environment ‘Moodle’ could be integrated and embedded more effectively in the studies of postgraduate Oil & Gas related courses at The Robert Gordon University. A single intrinsic case study approach was chosen. Data was collected using usability testing and observation, interviews, questionnaires, Freedom of Information Requests and additional data sources such as relevant conferences and secondary research for literature review.
Background information was provided by introducing the University’s infrastructure, relevant student demographics related to the investigated module ‘Business Essentials’ and analysing the Moodle implementation. By focussing on students’ and academics’ information needs, an evaluation of current processes and setups within the University’s network and Moodle was undertaken. Navigation and consistency as core usability issues were investigated and examples of a potential re-design provided. The e-learning aspect was evaluated by investigating interactivity in ‘Business Essentials’. By adapting existing learning content, a demonstration of using Moodle feature in the investigated module was given. Additionally, challenges and opportunities outside the Moodle environment were identified. Within the analysis recommendations were made as appropriate in the relevant sections.
Key findings of this study were that usability issues need to be addressed in order to provide meaningful information to individual user groups. Furthermore, existing Moodle features need to support interactive learning and address students’ learning style. Additionally, staff training regarding Moodle features, e-learning facilitation and search skills needs to be addressed. Finally, it was found that the University would benefit from establishing a Knowledge Management strategy. A summary of recommendation was detailed in a separate chapter.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Research Problem
1.2 Rationale
1.3 Aim and Objectives
1.4 Scope
1.5 Limitations and Implications
1.6 Originality and Value
1.7 Structure of this Dissertation
2 Methodology
2.1 Research Design
2.1.1 Single Intrinsic Case Study Approach
2.1.2 Sampling and Ethical Considerations
2.2 Data Collection
2.2.1 Usability Testing and Observation
2.2.2 Interviews
2.2.3 Questionnaires
2.2.4 Freedom of Information Requests
2.2.5 Additional Sources for Background Knowledge
2.3 Chapter Summary
3 Literature Review
3.1 Definitions
3.2 Moodle
3.3 Moodle Developments towards Moodle 2.0
3.4 Past Research
3.5 Online Communication Tools
3.6 Challenges and Opportunities Using e-Learning Approaches
3.7 European Legal Framework
3.8 Chapter Summary
4 Setting the Scene
4.1 Background and Infrastructure
4.2 Student Demographics
4.3 Moodle Implementation
4.4 Chapter Summary
5 Using Moodle as a central platform for…?
5.1 Finding the Right Information, When and Where Needed
5.1.1 Information Dissemination Outside Moodle
5.1.2 Access to Moodle
5.1.3 Evaluation of Moodle’s Usability in ‘Business Essentials’
5.1.4 Recommended Re-Design and Setup for ‘Business Essentials’
5.1.5 Section Summary
5.2 Providing Interactive E-learning Content Using Moodle
5.2.1 Evaluation of Moodle’s Interactivity in ‘Business Essentials’
5.2.2 Identified Training Needs for University Staff Members
5.2.3 Example Functions and Features for ‘Business Essentials’
5.2.4 Section Summary
5.3 Challenges and Opportunities Outside Moodle
5.4 Evaluation of Selected Method and Methodology
5.5 Chapter Summary
6 Conclusion
7 Summary of Recommendations
Research Objectives and Focus
The study aims to provide actionable recommendations for effectively integrating the Moodle virtual learning environment into the studies of postgraduate Oil & Gas engineering students, specifically focusing on the ‘Business Essentials’ module at The Robert Gordon University to improve the overall student experience.
- Evaluating the usability of Moodle within specific engineering modules.
- Analyzing student learning styles and their correlation with Moodle’s current interface.
- Identifying bottlenecks in information dissemination and navigation for students and staff.
- Developing short-term and long-term design strategies to enhance Moodle's functionality.
- Assessing the requirement for improved staff training in e-learning facilitation.
Auszug aus dem Buch
5.1.3 Evaluation of Moodle’s Usability in ‘Business Essentials’
Figure 5.5, Figure 5.6 and Figure 5.7 were created following the commonly used login procedure (Table 5.2), using the image hyperlink provided on the ‘intranet page’ (Figure 5.2).
‘Electronic Stickers’ marked in the figures highlight potential confusion considering the two core measurements of usability, which are ease of navigation and consistency. Those stickers represent applied knowledge gained from secondary research as well as observation analysis from the usability testing (Appendix 9 to Appendix 13) which is detailed below as appropriate. Using those data, usability issues regarding each page are highlighted prior evaluating the interaction of all pages from a user perspective.
Krug (2000, page 178) identified three typical problems that users could face, namely being unclear on the page concept, the page language differs from user language or the page is too complex. Krug (2000, p. 17) has therefore identified some questions on which users should not spend time considering:
• “Where am I?
• Where should I begin?
• Where did they put _______?
• What are the most important things on this page?
• Why did they call it that?”
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the research problem regarding the implementation of Moodle and outlines the study's aim and objectives.
2 Methodology: This chapter details the qualitative, single intrinsic case study approach and various data collection methods used, including usability testing and interviews.
3 Literature Review: This chapter provides core definitions of e-learning terms and reviews existing research and legal frameworks relevant to the study.
4 Setting the Scene: This chapter analyzes the University’s infrastructure and provides demographics for the students enrolled in the ‘Business Essentials’ module.
5 Using Moodle as a central platform for…?: This chapter evaluates the current usability and interactivity of Moodle and provides specific re-design recommendations.
6 Conclusion: This chapter summarizes the findings and links them back to the original objectives set out in the introduction.
7 Summary of Recommendations: This chapter consolidates all identified areas of improvement into a structured list of actionable objectives for future development.
Keywords
Moodle, Web Usability, E-Learning, Information Management, Oil & Gas, Case Study, Student Experience, Information Architecture, Virtual Learning Environment, User Interface, Knowledge Management, Higher Education, Navigation, Feedback, Interactive Learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this dissertation?
The dissertation focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of the collaborative virtual learning environment 'Moodle' at The Robert Gordon University, specifically within the postgraduate ‘Business Essentials’ module.
What are the central thematic areas of the research?
Key themes include web usability, information architecture, information literacy, student demographics, and the transition from legacy systems to Moodle.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The primary goal is to provide short-term and long-term recommendations to improve how Moodle is integrated and embedded to support both students and academic staff.
Which research methodology was utilized?
A single intrinsic case study approach was adopted, utilizing a triangulation of qualitative data collection methods, including usability testing, observation, interviews, and questionnaires.
What topics are covered in the main analysis?
The analysis covers current information dissemination processes, Moodle’s usability issues, training needs for academic staff, and suggestions for interactive e-learning features.
Which keywords define this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Moodle, Web Usability, Information Management, Case Study, Virtual Learning Environment, and Student Experience.
What did the usability testing reveal about the login procedure?
Participants found the University's recommended login procedure to be cumbersome and non-intuitive, leading them to use their own shortcuts or bookmarks instead.
Why are Wikis and Blogs currently underutilized in this context?
Interviews with academic staff revealed concerns regarding their relevance to technical engineering courses and a lack of familiarity with how to effectively moderate or embed these tools.
- Quote paper
- Syndia Lengyel (Author), 2009, Make the Most of Your Studies: A Case Study and Web Usability Study Using the Collaborative Virtual Learning Environment Moodle, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/152345
