What is MoodleFN? | |||||||||||
Moodle is an open source e-learning platform that allows educators to create and deliver quality online courses (for more information about Moodle, go to www.moodle.org). MoodleFN is a customized version of the Moodle program that was created to promote and support e-Learning in First Nations schools across Canada. MoodleFN was created as a response to the E-Learning Platforms Workshop: Exploring Moodle. MoodleFN is funded by First Nations SchoolNet and operates under the following goals:
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Are you new to the e-Learning world? Then you may want to keep reading... | |||||||||||
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What is e-Learning? | |||||||||||
E-learning is online training that is delivered in a synchronous (real-time; instructor-led) or asynchronous (self-paced) format. Whether you call it Online Learning, E-Learning, Distance Education, Virtual Schools, or another similar terms, using the Internet to deliver educational material has become increasingly popular. | |||||||||||
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What is an e-Learning Platform? | |||||||||||
Just as computer needs a platform such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X to manage information and run programs, an e-learning platform is a program that is used to handle e-learning content. E-Learning platforms are also known as Learning Management Systems (LMS), Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) and sometimes Content Management Systems (CMS). At a basic level, and as seen from a K-12 perspective, most e-leaning platforms do the following:
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Are There Different Types of E-Learning Platforms? | |||||||||||
Yes, many. As with all software, e-learning platforms can be sorted into two categories: Open Source or Commercial. | |||||||||||
The term open source is used to describe software that is open to modifications by the general public. While certain conditions do exist with some types of open source programs, this class of software does is not bound by classic copyright or intellectual properly rights. Since open source programs are not bound by the constraints of private ownership, many such programs rely on collaborative development by various programmers. Click here if you want to find out more about open source. By contrast, commercial e-learning platforms, and commercial software in general, is produced by an individual or company that holds exclusive rights to the production and usage of the software. Some of the more expensive commercial e-learning platform companies also provide online content (i.e. courses) that is designed to run on their particular e-learning platform (examples of commercial e-learning platforms: WebCT, BlackBoard and Hyperwear. |