Using a learning management system to offer low-cost online training

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Abstract

Delivering valuable training with budget constraints is a challenge for many national service programs, especially those with members placed at multiple sites across a wide geographic area. The proliferation of electronic, computer-based tools makes online distance training not only possible, but often more accessible and meaningful for participants. One type of tool that holds particular promise is learning management system (LMS) software that allows educators and trainers to develop and deliver classes online. Moodle, an open-source learning management system, has been used successfully for online training by staff at the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. Erich Stiefvater, Program Advisor at LEARNS, submitted this effective practice in December 2006.

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Issue

Delivering training that is both high-quality and cost-sensitive may seem difficult for national service programs. Bringing people together for face-to-face training can be a drain on tight budgets and impact workflow as travel time must be factored in.

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Action

Moodle is a Web-based, open source LMS that can be used by a program manager or staff member who has some technology skills to develop online training. Unlike most commercial LMS products, Moodle is free to download and use, and can allow national service programs to build robust e-learning opportunities for members and volunteers.

Moodle has a simple, low-tech browser interface that is suitable for delivering entirely online classes or supplementing face-to-face learning. Moodle provides a pedagogically sound approach to online learning, featuring group-based learning tools and instructional supports that include general forums, chats, assignment postings, surveys, resource postings and a calendar. A course designer or facilitator can use Moodle to create everything from complete online courses to simple discussion boards and listservs. Participants can upload files and documents for sharing with others, and have the opportunity to create a personal profile and upload a photo. Participants in a Moodle experience have a login and password, so access can be limited and secure.

National service programs may wish to use Moodle for:

  • Formal Training. Moodle can help trainers deliver training to staff and volunteers. This is a formal, online experience, with an environment not unlike the opportunities in a face-to-face classroom. Trainees will need a computer and Internet connection, with trainers and trainees logging in to create and work through course materials. Trainers can post assignments, set deadlines, and receive completed assignments.
  • Informal Training. Moodle can help facilitate the gathering of information helpful to program participants and volunteers. Without the imperative of "must know," casual participants can find online resources helpful in maintaining the important connection to the program. This is also an excellent way for program managers and staff to keep in contact with itinerant and/or episodic volunteers.
  • Collaborative Connections. Moodle provides collaborative, Web-based access to shared online environments where people can work together on a project, creating something akin to an interactive listserv.

Program directors and others, considering whether to use Moodle as part of their work plans, are encouraged to:

  • Speak with staff, board and advisory council members, and partners to determine if the program may have the conditions in place to support the use of Moodle.
  • Identify and contact other national service programs that have implemented Moodle as a training tool (visit Moodle.org site for an extensive list of current users). Posting an inquiry to the national service e-mail discussion lists sponsored by the Resource Center is one easy way to identify other programs that may be able to offer advice.

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    Context

    Online courses are typically built either as complete, standalone websites, or developed within an LMS. Using an LMS to build a course is typically easier than developing a website from scratch, since the LMS provides editing tools and templates into which authors simply cut-and-paste text and multimedia files.

    Programs that do not have access to an LMS currently may wish to consider Moodle. Moodle -- the name is actually an acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment -- is a Web-based, "open source" LMS. "Open source" means that, unlike the proprietary software of most commercial learning management systems, Moodle is free to download, use and change to suit an organization's particular instructional needs.

    Moodle does require space on a Web server, but there are numerous Internet service providers who will host Moodle at affordable rates for organizations that cannot host it themselves. In addition, there is an extensive community of worldwide Moodle users who can answer questions and help troubleshoot problems.

    Learning management systems are common in higher education and corporate training, and are increasingly found in school districts for training teachers and providing remedial or enrichment instruction to high school students. BlackBoard and WebCT are two of the better-known, but these and other commercial systems are typically too expensive for national service programs to purchase on their own. However, Learn and Serve sub-grantees and other national service programs based at or partnered with schools and colleges may be able to gain access to their host site's LMS account for use in training members and volunteers.

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    Outcome

    Web-based learning (e-learning) has been embraced by many different types of organizations and learning communities to deliver cost-effective instruction to students and staff. This includes the national service community, where the Corporation for National and Community Service and its partners have developed courses aimed at providing training for the field through online instruction (see the "Resources" section below).

    Programs that use an LMS for online learning will experience high-quality training, minus the costs associated with face-to-face meetings.

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    Posted On

    February 28, 2007

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    For More Information

    LEARNS at the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
    101 SW Main St., Suite 500
    Portland, OR
    Toll-free: 1-800-361-7890
    Fax: (503) 275-0133

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    Resources

    http://moodle.com
    This is the commercial and community site (made with Moodle) where you'll find information, free downloads and detailed community discussions about installing, using and extending Moodle.

    http://moodle.org
    This is the general community of educators who use Moodle. You will find demonstrations and documentation here that are free for downloading or participation.

    http://nationalserviceresources.org/resources/courses
    Contains a listing of and instructions for launching free online training courses developed by the Corporation for National and Community Service for field staff and members.

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