Moodle site redesign

Dr Eduardo Pol | Business and Law (BAL)

I redesigned the online learning environment for ECON 802: The Economics of Global Business Challenges. My intention was to improve student engagement and make the site easier to navigate so that the students could spend time focussing on the content and learning activities.

 

Overview video

 

Hello there, my name is Eduardo Pol. I work in the Faculty of Business and one of the subjects that I teach there is included in the Graduate Certificate of Business. 

I asked myself, how could I improve the engagement in that subject. The subject has been versions one is face to face and the other one online version. 

Well initially I didn't have a clue actually, but I was lucky enough to be in touch with LTC and they provided the strategy and the tools to obtain that main objective, which is, enhancing the learning of this subject. So I approached LTC and we designed a project about that particular subject. 

Basically, focusing on creating modules within the subject and also to support learning of the subject through a collection of videos. 

And the reality is that after having finished the project, I tend to believe that it is a different subject from the pedagogical viewpoint, because now a students have an absolute clarity about the content of the subject. And also I'd say an additional advantage because we have incorporated a set of questions covering each and every topic.  

So my own personal experience with this project was that initially I was very nervous, I cannot conceal that fact, but when I started working with the Education Specialist in LTC, she showed me the path to follow and everything was a smooth and successful adjustment so I can tell you that today we have a fantastic version of an old subject. 

How?

Redesigning the online learning environment involved thematically categorising my content into modules that were organised using the collapsed topics Moodle site layout. I had separate sections for each assessment and module to help students find what they needed to easily. The following image provides a snapshot of how this organisation of assessment and module sections looked.

Under each section/module I clearly stated the topics included in each module and learning objectives as depicted in the following screenshot:

Underneath this information, I organised topic content for that module using Moodle books. Below is a screenshot of four Moodle books that were included in a module.

Each book had clearly labelled chapters and pages that addressed topics in a linear form and made navigating and searching for information easier for students. Students were even able to download copies of the books for working offline or printing if they wanted. The following image provides a screenshot of what a page in a book and its Table of contents looked like.

Content in each book consisted of a combination of written information, readings, and activities to complete alongside the occasional video. I even created books with student questions and activities.

Reflection

As a result of the redesign of this subject’s Moodle site and careful organisation of content, it is easier for students to navigate and find what they need. I believe it has increased opportunities for students’ active engagement with subject material and learning experiences.