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

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Research Problem

1.2 Rationale

1.3 Aim and Objectives

1.4 Scope

1.5 Limitations and Implications

1.6 Originality and Value

1.7 Structure of this Dissertation

2 Methodology

2.1 Research Design

2.1.1 Single Intrinsic Case Study Approach

2.1.2 Sampling and Ethical Considerations

2.2 Data Collection

2.2.1 Usability Testing and Observation

2.2.2 Interviews

2.2.3 Questionnaires

2.2.4 Freedom of Information Requests

2.2.5 Additional Sources for Background Knowledge

2.3 Chapter Summary

3 Literature Review

3.1 Definitions

3.2 Moodle

3.3 Moodle Developments towards Moodle 2.0

3.4 Past Research

3.5 Online Communication Tools

3.6 Challenges and Opportunities Using e-Learning Approaches

3.7 European Legal Framework

3.8 Chapter Summary

4 Setting the Scene

4.1 Background and Infrastructure

4.2 Student Demographics

4.3 Moodle Implementation

4.4 Chapter Summary

5 Using Moodle as a central platform for…?

5.1 Finding the Right Information, When and Where Needed

5.1.1 Information Dissemination Outside Moodle

5.1.2 Access to Moodle

5.1.3 Evaluation of Moodle’s Usability in ‘Business Essentials’

5.1.4 Recommended Re-Design and Setup for ‘Business Essentials’

5.1.5 Section Summary

5.2 Providing Interactive E-learning Content Using Moodle

5.2.1 Evaluation of Moodle’s Interactivity in ‘Business Essentials’

5.2.2 Identified Training Needs for University Staff Members

5.2.3 Example Functions and Features for ‘Business Essentials’

5.2.4 Section Summary

5.3 Challenges and Opportunities Outside Moodle

5.4 Evaluation of Selected Method and Methodology

5.5 Chapter Summary

6 Conclusion

7 Summary of Recommendations

Research Objectives and Focus

The study aims to provide actionable recommendations for effectively integrating the Moodle virtual learning environment into the studies of postgraduate Oil & Gas engineering students, specifically focusing on the ‘Business Essentials’ module at The Robert Gordon University to improve the overall student experience.

• Evaluating the usability of Moodle within specific engineering modules.
• Analyzing student learning styles and their correlation with Moodle’s current interface.
• Identifying bottlenecks in information dissemination and navigation for students and staff.
• Developing short-term and long-term design strategies to enhance Moodle's functionality.
• Assessing the requirement for improved staff training in e-learning facilitation.

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Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the research problem regarding the implementation of Moodle and outlines the study's aim and objectives.

2 Methodology: This chapter details the qualitative, single intrinsic case study approach and various data collection methods used, including usability testing and interviews.

3 Literature Review: This chapter provides core definitions of e-learning terms and reviews existing research and legal frameworks relevant to the study.

4 Setting the Scene: This chapter analyzes the University’s infrastructure and provides demographics for the students enrolled in the ‘Business Essentials’ module.

5 Using Moodle as a central platform for…?: This chapter evaluates the current usability and interactivity of Moodle and provides specific re-design recommendations.

6 Conclusion: This chapter summarizes the findings and links them back to the original objectives set out in the introduction.

7 Summary of Recommendations: This chapter consolidates all identified areas of improvement into a structured list of actionable objectives for future development.

Keywords

Moodle, Web Usability, E-Learning, Information Management, Oil & Gas, Case Study, Student Experience, Information Architecture, Virtual Learning Environment, User Interface, Knowledge Management, Higher Education, Navigation, Feedback, Interactive Learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this dissertation?

The dissertation focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of the collaborative virtual learning environment 'Moodle' at The Robert Gordon University, specifically within the postgraduate ‘Business Essentials’ module.

What are the central thematic areas of the research?

Key themes include web usability, information architecture, information literacy, student demographics, and the transition from legacy systems to Moodle.

What is the primary objective of this study?

The primary goal is to provide short-term and long-term recommendations to improve how Moodle is integrated and embedded to support both students and academic staff.

Which research methodology was utilized?

A single intrinsic case study approach was adopted, utilizing a triangulation of qualitative data collection methods, including usability testing, observation, interviews, and questionnaires.

What topics are covered in the main analysis?

The analysis covers current information dissemination processes, Moodle’s usability issues, training needs for academic staff, and suggestions for interactive e-learning features.

Which keywords define this work?

The work is characterized by terms such as Moodle, Web Usability, Information Management, Case Study, Virtual Learning Environment, and Student Experience.

What did the usability testing reveal about the login procedure?

Participants found the University's recommended login procedure to be cumbersome and non-intuitive, leading them to use their own shortcuts or bookmarks instead.

Why are Wikis and Blogs currently underutilized in this context?

Interviews with academic staff revealed concerns regarding their relevance to technical engineering courses and a lack of familiarity with how to effectively moderate or embed these tools.