Why+Moodle?+Why+not?



While I was doing some research from various sources about using a course management system such as Moodle I came across some very interesting views. One source said that we have been using the "Talk & Chalk" method for teaching classes for thousands of years. So why should we now consider getting outside of our comfort zone in order to teach a course online? My answer is this: //**Why Not?**//
 * So, Why Use Moodle, or any CMS or LMS?**

//"There are a number of reasons to think about using a CMS in your courses://

//**Student Demand**// //Students are becoming more technically savvy, and they want to get many of their course materials off the Web. Once online, they can access the latest information at any time and can make as many copies of the materials as they need. Having grown up with instant messaging and other Internet communication tools, online communication is second nature to many students.//

//**Student Schedules**//

//With rising tuitions, many students are working more hours to make ends meet while they are in school.// //About half of all students now work at least 20 hours a week to meet school expenses. With a CMS, they can communicate you or their peers whenever their schedules permit. They can also take quizzes or read course material during their lunch break. Working students need flexible access to your course, and a CMS is a powerful way to give them what they need.//

//**Better Courses**// //If used well, CMSs can make your classes more effective and efficient. By moving some parts of your course online, you can more effectively take advantage of scheduled face-to-face time to engage students' questions and ideas For example, if you move your content delivery from an in-line class lecture to an online document, you can then use the lecture time to ask students about what they didn't understand. If you also use an online forum, you can bring the best ideas and questions from the forum into your classroom."//

//Source: Using Moodle, Jason Cole, O'Riely Community Press, p. 3 & 4//

I would also add that by offering course online, you give students choices. Earlier in this page, we looked at student's schedules. Most students have many requirements both in school and outside of the classroom, this is where I try to show my students where it would be beneficial to consider taking a course online.