Bin Sulayyih

Lets use Moodle at schools

EDT 817, WINTER PROFESSOR KENNY MOORE 14 MARCH, 2011

1

Bin Sulayyih TIMELINE Aug 2013, I would introduce this plane for teachers. To illustrate, I would first present it to my sister and my brother who are teachers. I feel that they have some barriers including how to remind students for upcoming assignments and how to communicate with their students. Since I am not a teacher, I would encourage them to use Moodle which would make great enhancement and communication between them and their students. Sept 2013, I would discuss with teachers how to use Moodle, and I would show them some examples that illustrates how Moodle looks like, what it contains, and what can be done with it. Oct 2013, After they like the idea of using Moodle and agree to do so, I would help them to get started after they get permission from their districts. Then we are going to be trained for how to create Moodle.

Bin Sulayyih The ISTE NETS Standards for Teachers Using Moodle can meet these standards for teachers: 1- Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity. Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to face and virtual environments. a. Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness

b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. c. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes d. Model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments 2- Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETSS. a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress

Bin Sulayyih c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources d. Provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching. 5- Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. a. Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning. b. Exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others. c. Evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning. d. Contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community.

Bin Sulayyih ISTE NETS Standards for Students Students can meet these standards by using Moodle: 1- Creativity and Innovation Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes b. Create original works as a means of personal or group expression c. Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues d. Identify trends and forecast possibilities 2- Communication and Collaboration Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media b. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media c. and formats d. Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of e. other cultures f. Contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems

Bin Sulayyih Description of plan Beginning in August 2013, I would introduce the idea of using Moodle in a classroom for teachers who I know. I would start with my family members who are teachers. In reality, it is not a new concept in my country because we use it at many universities. For schools, Moodle has not been used. In addition, it appears to be difficult if I present this idea because I have no experience in how to create Moodle for a classroom. However, it is possible at least to encourage them to use it, and I would tell them how I really liked it as a student. In September 2013, when teachers like this plan, I would explain everything possible I can to them about Moodle. First of all, I would define what Moodle is by saying that it is an open source and free to use. It is also being utilized by many teachers around the world to present information and a lot of things for students. It is used to improve teaching and learning. Why Moodle? In fact, students were born after the mid-80s which means they have been immersed in technology. They are familiar with it, and they use it anytime and anywhere they want to access to the internet. As a result, using Moodle can also attract their attention. What can be done by Moodle? According to http://imoodle.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-benefits-of-using-moodle The following things can be done by Moodle: Accessible from anywhere in the world. Create a course website and limit access to your students.

Bin Sulayyih Upload and share materials. Hold online discussion and chats. Give quizzes, tests, and take surveys. Disseminate, gather, and review assignments. Record grades. Online File Cabinet. Communicate outside of class. Forums give students more time to generate their responses. Privately respond to a shy student.

Where teachers can get help to be trained in Saudi Arabia? Saudi Moodle.

http://sa-m.org/moodle/ On face book page at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saudi-Moodle/196581520364564?sk=info On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/saudimoodle

How Moodle looks like?

1.

Bin Sulayyih

2.

Bin Sulayyih REVIEW OF LITERATURE 1. According to GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ the article of Latest Statistics Reveal Interesting Shift in Online Education Trends, on subject of online education, there are some recent reports which are explaining that the online classes are beneficial not only for students but also for teachers and administrators. In the United States, there is also a report indicates that over 6 million students are taking at least one class via the internet. Moreover, the report describes what the teachers and the administrators feel about online programs. To illustrate, they feel that the online programs are as effective as the classrooms. As a result, there are a number of online programs are available by some institutions that make who are working in the industry like this idea. Some subjects such as chemistry and art seem difficult for students to achieve the objectives when these classes are taught as online classes. However, it is helpful for other subjects to be taught online such as business administration which makes very good interactions these days. Computers, smart phones, and other technologies which are evolving and available are making possibility for teachers and students to acquire much interactive like they do in the classrooms. The statistics also show that the online degree programs are becoming up in every area of study. By PETAP.org, it seems to be easier to find and read about the availability online programs then make the educated decision. My favorite part from this article was that the most common is the technological capabilities now available to teachers and students, making it possible to achieve a highly
9

Bin Sulayyih interactive, educational experience, much like they could in a traditional classroom. As it is seen, that is absolutely right. To illustrate, utilizing some sorts of technologies such as computers, Moodle, and smart phones which are evolving with the needs are really amazing, supportive, and essential to increase the interactive for teachers and students. They also make the classes much more interesting by making some challenges which break the routine. Obviously, these technologies make complete freedom for learners. For example, some students may not go to school because they do not like to wake up in the early morning. Therefore, online classes by highly devices enable them to learn any time, any place, and any pace they want to. My least part of this article was that 67% of academic professionals polled were of the opinion that online classes can be equally as effective as face-to-face classes. As I mentioned that the online classes may make effective result for teachers and students. Effectively, I am not sure if they are really equal as the face to face classes. For example, in the beginning of this quarter, I had a class which was giving via the internet, and I just dropped it after two weeks. The reason was that the class was really boring for me. To illustrate, the criteria was to read some chapters from a book, and just answer some specific questions. I felt that there was not any kind of telecommunications to make interactive. In addition, I asked one of my classmates about this class, and she was surprised when she knew that I was taking it as an online class. She had taken the same class as face to face class, and she confirmed that it was very interactive for the teacher and the students. After that, I made the decision to drop it and wait until it offers in a classroom. However, I think it depends to how it is used to teach online. There is a fact that so many teachers, administrators, and students tend to take at least one class via the internet. Therefore, that encourages so many institutions to offer online classes in different subjects. Truly, it appears that the online degree programs are becoming extensive. To

10

Bin Sulayyih make them more effective in education, it is curial not only offer them for credit but also make them much more interactive for who are taking these classes. For example, by using technologies as telecommunication tools is really helpful to obtain the objectives in education. Two days ago, I joined a class which was giving in Tapped in.org, and it was the first time to try that sort of chatting class. In reality, I really liked it more than I thought because it allowed me to exchange concepts with the instructor and the assistants there. We all came from different countries so that class helped us to share and expand ideas. In short, I believe that the online programs are making an important shift in education so that a lot of institutions tend to engage teachers and students by offering online degree programs. While increasing of the availability of online classes in every area of study, I think it seems difficult for some educators to make the right decision about what program would be perfect and beneficial. On the other hand, the online courses still advantages especially for students who may attend morning classroom in body but certainly not in mind. Definitely, complete freedom is seen by online classes which make some people lives more convenient than if they take face to face classes. The classes via the internet mean the ability to learn whatever, whenever, and wherever they want to. 2. In this article Step aside, Blackboard: Moodle is here, Davis explained that the Nicholls community plans to use Moodle instead of using the Blackboard. The Moodle has as the function as Blackboard. However, it has some good features comparison of Blackboard including areas for forums, grades, and a simple layout design. The writer defined Moodle as a short form of an active learning, and it does not cost any money. Because of the big shift from using Blackboard to Moodle, Bonvillain, director of instructional technology support, said that it is obvious that

11

Bin Sulayyih people are going to be worried because they were familiar with Blackboard for many years. As a result, some students and teachers do not like this change. Bonvillain also mentioned that it is important to make some changes to have better results even if things work nice. He wishes to do more, but it depends to the governments budget. Using Turnitin.com on Moodle instead of using Safe Assign on Blackboard is another change. Bonvillain described that utilizing Moodle is sort of interesting things because you will be able to add such as what you are interested in, what your hoppy is, and your pictures. Last semester, one professor of art history used Moodle to post some essential documents for students such as Word and Microsoft Power Point presentations so that the students can be prepared to the class and can look to their classmates work. He really loved using Moodle because he felt that using it kept everything organized in one place. Zachary Morgan, marketing junior from Metairie, said that they need to work with it because it is free. The students also have their reaction about Moodle. Some of them think that using it is easy. "When I think of Moodle, I think of a noodle that you use in a pool to float on," Morgan said. Finally, the writer suggested that the Nicholls community just needs to work with this new application called Moodle, and for more information visit Moodle.org. My favorite part from this article was that Moodle has a forum discussion area. Since I have been using the forum discussion on Moodle for this class every week, I really like this concept for two reasons. It gives me the opportunity to express my ideas basic on a specific topic. Another benefit is that I will be able to exchange and share ideas with my classmates. To illustrate, it is a curial way to me to show how people think and believe, and what they have experienced in their lives. In simple words, freedom opinions can be written on this area. Sometimes, teachers can learn from their students basic on what they believe and their experiences. As a result, teachers and students can learn from each other, and the discussion forum may give them this great possibility.

12

Bin Sulayyih My latest part from this article was when Zachary Morgan described that Blackboard is more professional than Moodle. I believe that it is true, but Moodle can be also much more professional when a teacher knows how to use it and how to make it perfect. Some people think that if something is free, it is not specialized. For me, I do not think so because with more practice and work with it, we can make it as we want it to be. I believe in technology and the creators to make a great progress in Moodle to make it much more useful, interesting, and interactive. However, it seems to be normal to some people to think that way which is Moodle is not that professional tool for one reason. The reason is that it is difficult to accept the change especially when it comes to a classroom. Teachers and students are going to worry because the impacts of using Moodle will affect both of them. For education especially schools, I strongly recommend per teacher to use Moodle for some advantages. First of all, it is going to keep everything organized on just one place. That lead students to be organized too when they have to find the materials they want. Moreover, by adding pictures, videos, and interests, Moodle can be much more fun and interactive which engages students to like it. In addition, students can control themselves. They will have the access to the content to read, play videos, and replay, so they can spend the time which they need. Encouraging collaboration is also a benefit of using Moodle. For example, when a teacher gives an assignment that demand collaboration, they can chat or discuss. The last important point is that Moodle has a grade tables that keep students grades. Every student will be able to look at his work after it has been graded. In conclusion, I am going to encourage any teacher in my country who teaches in a school to use Moodle. It is an important tool these days which safes time, keeps materials organized, and connects teachers and students in one place. In reality, we are looking for things which make education more effective an interesting at the same time. I believe that when you have to introduce new concept, it appear to

13

Bin Sulayyih be hard to accept it from others. The point is to make a change and a strategy that leads to better results for both teachers and students.

14

Bin Sulayyih Bibliography http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/latest-statistics-reveal-interesting-shift-in-onlineeducation-trends-138842409.html

http://www.thenichollsworth.com/lagniappe/step-aside-blackboard-moodle-is-here1.2744471#.T0qUw3qfkgA

http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS-S_Standards.sflb.ashx

http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS-T_Standards.sflb.ashx

15

Bin Sulayyih Documents I recommend using Moodle for teachers in their classrooms for some advantages which I am sure that every teacher would love. First of all, teacher can post documents which will be available for students anytime they want. Also, it is a great way for constructive teaching. Teachers also can post a daily or weekly post that encourages students to share and discuss ideas based on specific topics. Moreover, Moodle allows teachers to create quizzes and tests that can be marked immediately. They can give the feedback too. Students can be engaged by Moodle. For example, they can chat at real time with others. It is really easy ways to mark homework assignment so that teachers can open a file, read it, and then add a grade and comment. These are some of the great features that are offering by Moodle. As a result, Moodle can make a valuable difference in a classroom for teachers and students. Simply, it is sort of an online learning that gives users complete freedom. Additionally, teachers should be trained, and they can get any kind of help they want from Moodle community. These are some of others experiences who use Moodle. San Francisco State University The structure of Moodle is very easy, Dordt College "We have moved from Blackboard to Open Source Moodle, and it is going very well."

16