The increased use of technology is modernizing classrooms by incorporating online learning management systems such as Moodle (used by Capilano University). Students have exposed concerns regarding teacher incompetency’s and knowhow of technology.

Undergrad students at Capilano University (CapU), from various departments, were interviewed on their opinions and thoughts on the online component of their classes (these interviews are to remain anonymous for confidentiality of students). The intent was originally to understand how classes are changing with the addition of an online space. During these interviews it became clear that though classes with online components were popular there was concerns for teachers’ roles and the quality of education provided on Moodle. One student stated, “I feel as though my professor does not know how to use the site properly” calling parts of the site “misleading” and full of “broken links” and not “kept current”.

On Moodle students can submit assignments, complete quizzes, have discussions on forums, and chat with fellow students as well as their professors. How individual classes use Moodle are completely up to and designed by the teachers and according to an anonymous student “some teachers are obviously better at it then others.” This is a student driven change in classroom style but in such parameters need to be in place and it is up to professors to create a space that will cultivate successful learning. So, when it comes to online classrooms are teachers at Capilano University using Moodle to the fullest potential?

The push for increased technology use in classrooms is weighted heavily on societal changes, CapU students want to use their own technology and want classes that have both an online portion but also a physical classroom. However, the call for higher learning to be more self regulated is dependent on teachers’ technological abilities. 80% of students interviewed said they they would drop a course if it did not have a Moodle site. CapU Students want Moodle sites that have class content posted online such as PowerPoints, lectures, and links to media that were not necessarily discussed in class’ but “enhance [the] lecture”.

“I really like when teachers and other students in the class post podcasts and Ted Talks that are not required for the course are relevant and interesting.”

It was found that students who had confidence in their teachers Moodle sites felt more at ease when they missed a class. And let’s face it, a full-time students schedule is PACKED. 100% of students interviewed had jobs and 70% confessed to purposely missing a class to pick up a shift because they knew they could “catch up easily online later.”

Tech savvy teachers are setting a higher bar for Moodle sites. Students who have had a class with a well laid out online component now have higher expectations.

Frustration however was apparent if a class had poor online substance. One student said, “my prof has a Moodle site but there is nothing on it and she refuses to post any lecture material, it is basically just a blank calendar.” Which is fair enough as teachers are not required to post lecture material, but this complaint was harmonious among students that were interviewed. One Student said, “I have actually dropped a class because I was told the professor did not post lecture slides online and waited for someone else to teach the class.”

When asked if students felt more comfortable talking to a teacher face to face or messaging them online it was an overwhelming reply in a preference to message at 90% of those interviewed.  The anytime anywhere aspect of technology is convenient for students as well as teachers.

100% of CapU students interviewed believed they knew more about technology then their teachers. One student described a teacher’s navigation through Moodle as “painful”. This same student said, “I wont even log onto the Moodle site because I know it is useless,” when asked how he was doing in that class he said “it is actually the class I am doing the worst in.”

One student felt as thought the Moodle site enabled her teacher to be “lazy” as she “learned more from [her] peers on discussion forums then [her] professors’ online contributions” this opinion was supported by another student who stated ”it’s a cop out for teachers to sit back” who also wondered “if they even read the online content”.

For students who had teachers they felt “used Moodle competently” they seemed engaged and happy with their education this term. They noted how “easy it is to message [their] teacher” and how “it is so nice having the syllabus, reading lists, and assignments laid out right in front of you in one place.”

 

So, does a proper Moodle site increase a student’s positive outlook on school as well as their grade? It appears so through student opinion. research studies have also been done

Inconsistencies in class Moodle sites were apparent in these interviews. Teachers need to have a better understanding of technology if they are to incorporate it into their courses. CapU students who have a class that has a great Moodle site are more likely to achieve greater marks in that class.

The real end game of university is to develop students to their highest potential and provide them with the materials to do so. Moodle can be such a tool but according to the students it is clear that not all teachers are using Moodle to the fullest potential.