Discussion on platforms not currently represented
31 01 2007Please feel free to comment on other platforms beyond the Becta Framework - we welcome comments from all users particularly from colleagues in an educational setting.
Shropshire Learning Platform
Further development of an online learning resource for Shropshire
I can’t understand why Moodle is not mentioned. I have recently implemented Moodle at school and am currently in the process of adding some content. I think so highly of Moodle that i am in the process of completing a certification course in Moodle.
Surely Moodle should be at least investigated, i for one will be happy to lobby for Moodle. I mean, its free, its open source, it is an up and coming technology and the support base is fantastic. Not to mention all the added bolt ons and modules and code and lesson planning it brings with it. Moodle is easy to setup, manage and deliver content.
So bring on Moodle. Otherwise i cpuld be wasting my time and my effort in developing content. One of the attractions to Moodle to me, is that you can develop interactive content off-site and then import it. Add to fact that you can work on it from any computer with access to the internet….. need i say more. Moodle. Moodle. Moodle.
Thanks, Chris, for your comments. This posting has been set up for exactly that - comments on Learning Platforms that are not part of the BECTA framework nor part of our current arrangements.
It is very disappointing to see that you have not included Moodle on your list, considered by many in education as the only effective learning platform and teaching tool for students and teachers. As a software package Moodle is more than a teacher’s platform as it gives an educational institution the opportunity to create a dynamic online learning community.
For any team of decision makers and stakeholders there is always the concern about cost and support when using an “open source software“ package, with many organisations instead having a preference for the security of vendor lock-in. If these criteria are used then on the surface Moodle could be dismissed, however I would suggest an opportunity for education within the county will be missed. Shropshire already has an official Moodle partner, backed up by a worldwide support network that can provide additional modules, plug-ins and language packs as required. Also within the ranks of teachers and IT staff there is a dedicated guerrilla army of Moodle developers and users just waiting for formal recognition.
Moodle represents a change in elearning both for students and teachers, so please have the courage to include it and allow schools and colleges to experience what it can offer.
Keith Franklin
IT Consultant
I too am surprised that Moodle isn’t formally being considered. The Becta list is all well and good, but it’s predicated on the notion that “best value” will be obtained by purchasing a managed service from commercial suppliers, whereas large numbers of schools, FE/HE institutions and LAs are finding that far better value and control is to be found by hosting an open source platform themselves, and thus the limited funds available can be spent on content, training and support rather than licence fees. Furthermore as open source code, Moodle has evolved into the tools that learners and teachers actually want in a learning platform, rather than being fixed according to some 3rd party’s list of technical requirements.
It may be of interest for you to know that Atomwide’s Moodle/Elgg platform passed all Becta’s technical tests at 100%, although they didn’t make it through to the final list for other (as yet undisclosed) non-technical reasons.