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Evaluation of questionnaires

-Suggestions for choosing

a VLE

Anton van den Brink and Paul Dirckx

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Comparative study

Method:– Lists of questions and statements drawn up– Prepared lists completed by Velvitt participants– Results ordered and compared– Results summarised

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Questions and statements relating to:

• Managers• Developer• Teachers• Students

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Comparative studyFour virtual learning environments are compared:VLE used within the participating institutions

Virtual learning environment Educational institution

WebCT Tampere Polytechnic – Finland

Blackboard v6 University of Huddersfield – United KingdomBudapest Polytechnic – HungaryDunaujvaros Polytechnic – Hungary

N@Tschool v8 Fontys PTH – The Netherlands

Moodle Tampere Polytechnic – Finland

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Didactic functions

• Cooperation possibilities• Communication forms• Coaching and support• Test and question system• Provision for managing competence and

skills• Possibilities for adding content

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Educational organisation

• Portfolio– Presentation area– Bookmarks and work pieces– Personal homepage

• Student monitoring system– Recording opened pages– Grade list– Study results

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Technical aspectsOperating System

Server Browser

WebCT • Unix/Linux • Internet Explorer• Netscape Navigator• Firefox, Opera, etc.

Blackboard

• Windows NT/2000 server• Unix• Sun Solaris

• Internet Explorer• Netscape Navigator

N@Tschool

• Windows NT/2000 server• Windows ’98 en XP

• Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher

Moodle • Windows NT/2000 server• Unix/Linux• Mac (not officially supported)

• Internet Explorer• Netscape Navigator• Firefox, Opera, etc.

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Considerations when selecting a VLE

• What types of VLE are available on the market?• What is your user situation?• What demands are placed on the VLE in

question?

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Types of VLE

Three main functions of the VLE:– Course material / test section– Communication / cooperation section– Organisation / registration section

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User situation

Distance learning as:– a supplement to existing possibilities– a replacement of a part of the curriculum or course– the dominant teaching form

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Demands on the VLE

• Intention• Climate• Technical and Management aspects• Costs• Roles and user requirements

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Conclusions and recommendations

WebCT Blackboard N@Tschool Moodle

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The best VLE is the VLE that best suits

you!• Intention of use• Need for flexibility and openness• The budget (for fixed and variable

costs)