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Picture of Worth
This learning management system.
by Worth - Friday, August 21, 2009, 03:06 PM
 
I'm a Lassiter parent and also happen to volunteer as the host and administrator for this site.

The software that powers this site is called Moodle. It is an open-source (free), very powerful and feature-rich software package designed originally for distance learning. It is arguably the most intuitive, user-friendly package on the market and has been gaining significant market share, growing at double digit rates for the past several years.

This software is extremely customizable. It can be configured to act as a simple blog, like Typepad (or it's open-source and free cousin "Wordpress"), or can be configured to include such advanced features as:
  • Online document repositories for handouts, presentations, notes, etc.
  • Controlled-access chat rooms where teachers can offer after-hours help
  • e-Portfolios where students can store and access their work
  • Advanced messaging system, including instant messaging, chat, e-mail, RSS Feeds, etc.
  • Embedded database capability
  • Multi-level glossaries
  • Online testing with immediate feedback
  • Progressive lesson systems allowing for immediate feedback and reinforcement of key concepts.
  • Embedded media of all types (video, audio, slides, images).
  • ...and much more.
One of the most valuable aspects of this system, as compared to a typical blog, is that courses developed here are re-usable. For an individual teacher, this means they can set their course up once and use again and again, semester after semester.

A blog is like a daily newspaper - whatever is posted quickly becomes yesterday's news. This means that a teacher has to start their blogs over every time they teach a course, even though they may be delivering the same lessons, making the same assignments, time after time.

I've been working with this system since 2004 and have seen what it can do for teachers, students, and parents.

I believe so strongly in the value of this system that I have made a standing offer to train any Lassiter teachers who are interested in the use of the system. A small but growing number are using it now and are gradually discovering the benefits of using it as an adjunct to their classrooms.

Should any other of you have any questions about this site or this software, please post here and I'll do my best to answer promptly.

In the mean time, if you'd like to know more about the software, visit http://www.moodle.org to learn about the system and http://www.mugatlanta.org to see a list of other schools who are using it.