Mrs. Erin Gavin Shaughnessy Elementary School June 16, 2013 Dear Mrs.

Gavin and the Parent Advisory Committee at Shaughnessy Elementary School, The following is a proposal for incorporating a Learning Management System (LMS) called Moodle in the computer lab to help facilitate my Health and Career Education program. BACKGROUND: As the computer prep teacher for grades 3-6 at Shaughnessy Elementary, my main role is to foster students development of 21st century learning skills. The B.C. ministry of education (2011) describes these abilities as using educational technologies to apply knowledge to new situations, analyze information, collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions. As well, in order to help alleviate the demands of a large curriculum for enrolling classroom teachers, I endeavour to advance these competences while concurrently covering the Health and Career Education curriculum (H.A.C.E.). WHAT IS MOODLE?: Moodle is an LMS and stands for "modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment. It enables educators to manage all aspects of course content and delivery using one integrated technology system. Furthermore, its flexibility and user friendly interface supports a range of teaching and learning styles (Brooks-Young, S. 2008). Some of the main features that I hope to utilize in my course development include wikis, where students can collaboratively work on information pages, vocabulary pages, or other projects, quizzes that provide instant feedback for both the teacher and student, lesson pages where students can access information they need from anywhere, group work spaces for collaboration, and forums for discussion and collaboration. WHY MOODLE?: Through an analysis of Moodle Using the Bates and Poole SECTIONS model (2003) the following has been established: Students The students all have access to the internet at home and have been using computers since kindergarten. Each student has access to their own computer in the lab during their assigned H.A.C.E times. As well, Moodle supports the types of skills that B.C. ministry education suggests should be developed through various activities Ease of use and reliability The school already has a server that is set up and maintained by the head teacher. It has been used for the past 5 years. The school has also recently been upgraded with increased bandwidth and Wifi to support Moodle. When well maintained, Moodle is extremely robust and reliable. Costs Free server to be maintained by teachers. Teaching and Learning - Flexibility in design allows various learning and teaching styles to be successful. It has been also demonstrated increase online communication between home and school which can increase parent satisfaction through greater awareness of classroom activities and curriculum (Maher, 2006). Interactivity - Various forms of multimedia (photos, audio, video, diagrams, etc.) can be incorporated appealing to the many diverse learning styles. As well, Blended learning allows the students to engage in

both classroom activities that promote group work and collaboration and individual activities that engage the learner and help them develop the required skills. Organizational Issues No changes need to be made as my classroom already has 30 computers and internet and wifi are available in the school. Students have their own log in and password that easily provides a record keeping system that may motivate students to complete assignments. Novelty This technology was developed in 1999 and has undergone several new upgrades and versions since then. Several studies have demonstrated its success including the one by Lan (2011) which integrated MOODLE e-learning and compared the differences from traditional teaching in learning effectiveness for the 5th grade elementary students. They found that students learning from MOODLE had higher average score in a social study achievement test and were more confident in self-studying and understanding of the course content (Lan, 2011). Speed The only time requirement for implementing the system would be for my own development of the course which would take approximately 10 hours per unit. SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Teacher: As a computer teacher I have recently consulted the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (200) and have set the following goals for myself. 1) To facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity; through use my knowledge of curriculum subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology I hope to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. 2) To design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments that incorporate technology and help develop 21st century learning skills. 3) To model digital age work and learning that exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes which are representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. 4) To promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility in my students. 5) To engage in professional growth and leadership by continuously improving my professional practice, model lifelong learning to my students, and exhibit leadership in my school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources (NETS for Teachers, 2008). Students: Through the use of Moodle students will be able to demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. They will also use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Additionally, opportunities will be given to apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. They will be required to use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Finally, students will be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. (NETS for Students, 2007)

CONCLUSION: It is clear that using Moodle will help foster the 21st century learning skills and technology knowledge that students require to be successful in our evolving society. Furthermore, Moodle is cost friendly, easy to implement for both students and teachers, and is supported by theories on blended learning. I appreciate your support on this matter and look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Deanna Stefanyshyn Computer Prep Teacher Shaughnessy Elementary School REFERENCES: B.C. Ministry of Education (2011). 21st Century Learning. B.C. Ministry of Education. Retrieved June 13, 2012, from http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/dist_learning/21century_learning.htm Bates, A.W. & Poole, G. (2003). Chapter 4: a Framework for Selecting and Using Technology. In Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education: Foundations for Success. (pp. 77-105). San Francisco: Jossey Bass Publishers Brooks-Young, S. (2008). Got Moodle?. T H E Journal, 35(4), 28-30. Lan, T., & Chiu, S. (2011). Research of modular object oriented dynamic learning environment elearning on social study for elementary school students. Journal of Mathematics and Statistics, 7(2), 112115.TANG, J. (2013). The Research on Blended Learning of ESL Based on Moodle Platform. Studies In Literature & Language, 6(2), 30-34. doi:10.3968/j.sll.1923156320130602.3612 Maher, D. C. (2006). Enhancing connectivity between home and school with online communication tools. Royal Roads University (Canada)). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 102. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/docview/304910543?accountid=14656.(304910543). National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (2008) http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2 008.htm National Educational Technology Standards for Students (2007) NETS For Students