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

Table of Contents

• Abstract
• Acknowledgements
• Editorial Note
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 Research Aims and Objectives
• 1.3 Research Questions
• 1.4 The Scope of This Study
• 1.5 The Limitations of This Study
• 1.6 Ethical Considerations
• 1.7 Structure of this Dissertation
• Chapter 2: Literature Review
• 2.1 Virtual Learning Environments
• 2.1.1 History and Development
• 2.1.2 Key Features and Functionality
• 2.1.3 Benefits and Drawbacks
• 2.2 Web Usability
• 2.2.1 Usability Principles
• 2.2.2 Usability Testing and Evaluation
• 2.3 Case Studies in VLE Implementation
• 2.4 The Robert Gordon University
• 2.4.1 The University's Vision and Mission
• 2.4.2 The Information Management Department
• 2.4.3 Moodle and Its Role in Teaching and Learning
• 2.5 The Oil & Gas Industry and its Relevance to This Study
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• 3.1 The Research Design
• 3.1.1 Case Study Approach
• 3.1.2 Data Collection and Analysis
• 3.2 The Case Study Context
• 3.2.1 The University's Infrastructure and Network
• 3.2.2 The 'Business Essentials' Module
• 3.2.3 Student Demographics
• 3.3 The Data Collection Process
• 3.3.1 Usability Testing and Observation
• 3.3.2 Interviews
• 3.3.3 Questionnaires
• 3.3.4 Freedom of Information Requests
• 3.3.5 Secondary Research and Literature Review
• 3.4 Data Analysis and Interpretation
• 3.5 Ethical Considerations
• Chapter 4: Findings
• 4.1 Moodle Implementation and Its Effectiveness
• 4.1.1 Usability Issues and Navigation Challenges
• 4.1.2 Consistency and Coherence in Moodle Design
• 4.1.3 The Use of Moodle Features in 'Business Essentials'
• 4.2 Students' Perceptions of Moodle
• 4.2.1 Information Needs and Expectations
• 4.2.2 Attitudes towards and Usage of Moodle
• 4.3 Academics' Perspectives on Moodle
• 4.3.1 Teaching Styles and Pedagogical Approaches
• 4.3.2 Integration of Moodle into Curriculum Design
• Chapter 5: Discussion
• 5.1 Key Findings and Insights
• 5.2 Implications for Practice and Policy
• 5.3 Further Research Directions

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main goal of the Moodle study at RGU?

The goal was to provide recommendations on how to integrate Moodle more effectively into postgraduate Oil & Gas courses at The Robert Gordon University.

What were the key findings regarding usability?

The study found that navigation and consistency are core usability issues that need to be addressed to provide meaningful information to users.

How was the data collected for this case study?

Data was collected through usability testing, observation, interviews, questionnaires, and Freedom of Information requests.

What recommendations were made for staff?

Recommendations included training in e-learning facilitation, Moodle features, and better search skills.

What is the "Business Essentials" module?

It is the specific module investigated in the study to demonstrate how Moodle features could be better adapted for interactive learning.

What long-term strategy did the study suggest for the University?

The study suggested that the University would benefit from establishing a comprehensive Knowledge Management strategy.