Make the Most of Your Studies: A Case Study and Web Usability Study Using the Collaborative Virtual Learning Environment Moodle

With Postgraduate Students from Oil & Gas Related Courses

Thèse de Master , 2009 , 255 Pages , Note: A

Gestion d'entreprise - Sciences de l'information, gestion de l'information

The overall aim of this study was to draw-up recommendations on how the collaborative virtual learning environment ‘Moodle’ could be integrated and embedded more effectively in the studies of postgraduate Oil & Gas related courses at The Robert Gordon University. A single intrinsic case study approach was chosen. Data was collected using usability testing and observation, interviews, questionnaires, Freedom of Information Requests and additional data sources such as relevant conferences and secondary research for literature review.

Background information was provided by introducing the University’s infrastructure, relevant student demographics related to the investigated module ‘Business Essentials’ and analysing the Moodle implementation. By focussing on students’ and academics’ information needs, an evaluation of current processes and setups within the University’s network and Moodle was undertaken. Navigation and consistency as core usability issues were investigated and examples of a potential re-design provided. The e-learning aspect was evaluated by investigating interactivity in ‘Business Essentials’. By adapting existing learning content, a demonstration of using Moodle feature in the investigated module was given. Additionally, challenges and opportunities outside the Moodle environment were identified. Within the analysis recommendations were made as appropriate in the relevant sections.

Key findings of this study were that usability issues need to be addressed in order to provide meaningful information to individual user groups. Furthermore, existing Moodle features need to support interactive learning and address students’ learning style. Additionally, staff training regarding Moodle features, e-learning facilitation and search skills needs to be addressed. Finally, it was found that the University would benefit from establishing a Knowledge Management strategy. A summary of recommendation was detailed in a separate chapter.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• Abstract
• Acknowledgements
• Editorial Note
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 Research Aims and Objectives
• 1.3 Research Questions
• 1.4 Research Methodology
• 1.5 Dissertation Structure
• Chapter 2: Literature Review
• 2.1 Introduction
• 2.2 The Concept of Learning
• 2.3 The Concept of E-Learning
• 2.4 The Concept of Web Usability
• 2.5 The Concept of Knowledge Management
• 2.6 The Concept of Moodle
• 2.7 Conclusion
• Chapter 3: The Robert Gordon University
• 3.1 Introduction
• 3.2 The University's Infrastructure
• 3.3 Student Demographics
• 3.4 Moodle Implementation
• 3.5 Conclusion
• Chapter 4: Research Methodology
• 4.1 Introduction
• 4.2 Research Approach
• 4.3 Data Collection Techniques
• 4.4 Data Analysis
• 4.5 Ethical Considerations
• 4.6 Conclusion
• Chapter 5: Findings
• 5.1 Introduction
• 5.2 Usability Testing
• 5.3 Interviews
• 5.4 Questionnaires
• 5.5 Freedom of Information Requests
• 5.6 Conclusion
• Chapter 6: Discussion
• 6.1 Introduction
• 6.2 Usability Issues
• 6.3 E-Learning Aspects
• 6.4 Challenges and Opportunities
• 6.5 Conclusion
• Chapter 7: Recommendations
• 7.1 Introduction
• 7.2 Recommendations for Usability
• 7.3 Recommendations for E-Learning
• 7.4 Recommendations for Staff Training
• 7.5 Recommendations for Knowledge Management
• 7.6 Conclusion
• Chapter 8: Conclusion
• 8.1 Introduction
• 8.2 Summary of Findings
• 8.3 Limitations of the Study
• 8.4 Future Research
• 8.5 Conclusion
• References
• Bibliography
• Appendices

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This dissertation aims to provide recommendations on how the collaborative virtual learning environment 'Moodle' can be integrated and embedded more effectively in the studies of postgraduate Oil & Gas related courses at The Robert Gordon University. The study uses a single intrinsic case study approach to investigate the usability and effectiveness of Moodle within the context of a specific module, 'Business Essentials'.

• Usability of Moodle for postgraduate students
• Effectiveness of Moodle in supporting interactive learning
• Challenges and opportunities for integrating Moodle into the University's infrastructure
• The role of staff training in facilitating the effective use of Moodle
• The potential benefits of establishing a Knowledge Management strategy at the University

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

Chapter 1 introduces the research aims, objectives, questions, methodology, and structure of the dissertation. It provides a context for the study by outlining the importance of effective e-learning environments for postgraduate students.

Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review, exploring key concepts related to learning, e-learning, web usability, knowledge management, and Moodle. It examines existing research on the use of Moodle in higher education and identifies relevant theoretical frameworks.

Chapter 3 provides background information on The Robert Gordon University, including its infrastructure, student demographics, and the implementation of Moodle. It analyzes the University's existing e-learning environment and identifies potential areas for improvement.

Chapter 4 details the research methodology employed in the study, including the case study approach, data collection techniques, data analysis methods, and ethical considerations. It explains the rationale behind the chosen methods and their suitability for addressing the research questions.

Chapter 5 presents the findings of the study, based on data collected through usability testing, interviews, questionnaires, Freedom of Information Requests, and other sources. It analyzes the usability of Moodle, the effectiveness of its features in supporting interactive learning, and the challenges and opportunities associated with its integration.

Chapter 6 discusses the findings in detail, exploring the implications for the University's e-learning strategy. It examines the usability issues identified, the effectiveness of Moodle in supporting different learning styles, and the challenges and opportunities for improving the overall e-learning experience.

Chapter 7 provides recommendations for improving the usability, effectiveness, and integration of Moodle within the University's e-learning environment. It addresses specific issues related to usability, e-learning, staff training, and knowledge management.

Schlüsselwörter

The keywords and focus themes of the text include Moodle, e-learning, web usability, knowledge management, postgraduate students, Oil & Gas courses, The Robert Gordon University, case study, and interactive learning. The dissertation explores the challenges and opportunities of integrating Moodle into the University's infrastructure, focusing on the needs of postgraduate students in Oil & Gas related courses. It examines the usability of Moodle, the effectiveness of its features in supporting interactive learning, and the potential benefits of establishing a Knowledge Management strategy. The study provides recommendations for improving the overall e-learning experience at the University.

• Université: Robert Gordon University Aberdeen
• Note: A
• Auteur: Syndia Lengyel (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2009
• Pages: 255
• N° de catalogue: V152345
• ISBN (ebook): 9783640706297
• ISBN (Livre): 9783640706259
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: Usability, E-Learning, Moodle, Virtual Learning Environment;, United Kingdom, Freedom of Information Request, Oil & Gas Studies, Knowledge Management, Information Management, Usability Testing, Information Architecture