VLE Consultation
Overview
LSHTM has been using the Blackboard VLE, as part of the Bloomsbury Learning Environment, since 2004. Currently, it is hosted and supported by Blackboard and will remain so until October 2012, when the license expires. The expiration of the license has provided a natural opportunity to review VLE options available to the School, as well as other BLE Colleges.
Throughout this year, LSHTM has undertaken, in partnership with other BLE Colleges, a technical evaluation of two VLEs, namely the most current version of Blackboard (which would represent an upgrade on the version currently used), or MOODLE version 2.x, again, the latest version available.
Additionally, LSHTM has run a number of events aimed at showcasing both VLEs to staff and students, reaching out to as broad an audience as possible, and gaining important feedback . During April this year, IT Services hosted the following events:-
London Showcase Events - Three Showcase Events were presented at Keppel Street & Tavistock Place during April 2011. Poster presentations, video demonstrations, live presentations and discussions
introduced the new versions of Blackboard and MOODLE
ElluminateLive! Sessions - Two Online sessions were held for staff unable to attend London Showcase events
One-to-One Meetings - Meetings were held with staff on a one-to-one basis when requested
Student Focus Groups - A Student Focus Group was held to listen to ideas and discuss options
Suggestions Box - A Suggestions Box was used to gather ideas from Staff & Students
Online Survey - Staff were encouraged to complete an online survey. This aimed to identify current and future teaching requirements as well as find out more about what users are looking within a VLE
Feedback from Staff & Students
Many staff and students attending the Showcase events and Focus Group were keen to find out more about MOODLE. Some had previously used the VLE, while others wanted to learn more as they had never seen the VLE before. There was a positive feeling about MOODLE among those who attended and this was reflected within the Online Survey. Some key findings include:-
- 79% of Showcase Participants also completed the Online Survey
- Staff appreciated the secure environment of Blackboard but frequently noted that Blackboard was ‘clunky’ with poor workflow and navigation
- Almost 85% of respondents would seek additional functionality of MOODLE
- 72% of respondents felt ‘very pleased’ or ‘okay’ about migrating to MOODLE. Some were ‘indifferent’ but no respondents indicated they would be ‘dismayed’.*
*Separate from the LSHTM survey, the BLE Consultation survey of those attending the BLE-wide MOODLE Workshop indicated 83% felt ‘great’ or ‘fine’ about migrating to MOODLE.
Key conclusions suggest that Staff would like to retain the secure nature of Blackboard but improve the functionality and make it less ‘clunky’. Migrating to MOODLE was seen as a means of addressing these issues.
Following the consultation and feedback from staff, LSHTM has started planning the development and implementation of Moodle. A new design of the VLE is underway and IT Services are developing Moodle and the tools it will offer staff and students. Additionally, a new Staff Development programme has been finalised to meet a wide range of training and support requirements.
This is just the beginning and as the project progresses, more news and resources will be added here. We will also be providing regular project updates on Twitter:- follow us at LSHTM_eLearning
Survey Results
Online Survey - Summary Findings (ppt)
Online Survey – Complete Data (csv)
