A few years ago I began my journey into web development. Java, php, html, javascript, xml and many other terms became common to me as I learned about how websites are integrated together using various platforms and technologies. The complexities of what makes a website run smoothly are rarely considered from an end-user perspective but having an understanding of all the different aspects make you appreciate just how difficult it can be to integrate different applications or code together to achieve the desired result. So how does all this relate to teaching then? A very interesting question. Teachers are now using more complex and enhanced tools to deliver the curriculum content. I believe that Modern Language teaching encompasses vast potential for going beyond the traditional methods of teaching, with an aim to motivate and encourage all ability levels. Recently it has become common practice for many schools to adopt the use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) as a mechanism for such motivation. VLEs allow multiple users to logon and access content which is controlled by a policy scheme i.e. they can only access what an administrator wants them to.
Many schools have been quick to find and adapt open source solutions to this virtual learning phenomenon with Moodle appearing to be one of the most popular. Moodle like many other VLEs is free to download. To use it effectively requires knowledge of Databases, PHP programming language, FTP protocols and a hosting plan so that the application can be accessed from the front-end by end users.
I have explored Moodle’s features and I have to agree that it is an amazing application. The features list are excellent. Moodle, however is not the only option that is available to VLE enthusiasts like myself. Before I used a VLE I was using designing my web pages by taking time to code the pages and test them. The problem with this was that if a major change was required it often may have resulted in all of the pages requiring a change. This again comes down to planning and for many designers this is a crucial stage because identifying the navigation for the client is an important step initially as future changes can cause problems.
VLEs do not have this problem. They have a Graphical User Interface (GUI) similar to that of an Operaing System (OS). Like an OS there is a control panel that allows you to change pages in a short space of time. You don’t need any programming knowledge at all. Having saved countless hours I am a strong advocate of using VLEs to design content quickly. I could sit down and code the pages but this would take too long.
So how does all this relate to the actual teaching of Modern Language subjects? Simple. VLEs can make your life easier as a teacher and as a school. You can add components such as flash quizzes, ePortfolios, upload files and control download access. In fact most of the things that you could think of are possible, and here’s the important point, most of the extensions are free or not that expensive. You could hire someone to design a website costing a few thousand pounds whereas knowledge of how to set up and use a VLE with a few extensions could save you and your school hundreds of pounds and give you the control and access to maintain it.
So back to the title. What is Joomla? Joomla is an open-source VLE that I have been using on my own website GaelNet. The vast amount of controls, support and extensions available have to be seen to be believed. I have been using it now for a period and have become very familiar with using it. I have used multiple extensions including flash quizzes to promote assessment for learning. The sheer ease by which components can be added is a joy to behold. Joomla can and has been used by many schools to control access and with one or two simple components you can have all your departments using the VLE and students able to access articles, quizzes and resources.
By the way Joomla is free, and installing it is not as difficult as it may seem. A school technician with some knowledge of FTP, PHP and databases could set it up and maintain it.
I will be writing some more articles about Joomla to recommend the best extensions that I have found. One thing is clear though, the age of VLEs is here and the potential has yet to be fully realized.
