Moodling: First steps: (L)AMP

LAMP stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP. These are the software you need to install in your system before you can run moodle. For Windows users like me (not by choice, mind you), we drop the Linux and we have AMP.

Actually, there is a download at www.moodle.org called EasyPHP Version 1.7. which takes care of installing AMP, as well as the setup instructions.

I got around to installing AMP with Easy PHP 1.7 easily. One beef I had though was that the buttons were not in English. This is a small detail that I could easily go around to. Besides, the instructions are pretty clear, up to this point.

When I got to around the setup, I got stumped when I was setting up the config.php file. I followed the instructions but had a message saying that i had an error in line 57. It was a bit frustrating. i got friend to look at it and at first, he was stumped. He made some changes and apparently, it was my folder name for EasyPHP. It was supposed to be EasyPHP 1.7, not just EasyPHP.

Did I find it easy installing. Yes it was easy.

Now the hard part comes. Preparing a course in moodle.

eLearning Part Time

I have had some trouble finding time to do this blog. Had plenty of family-related schedules, office work, community conference and a car aircon breakdown.

Which led me to this blog. Well, it's not directly related but it gave me space to give an excuse and a topic to discuss.

Can eLearning be like my schedule, in chunks, seemingly random and unformatted? Can you do eLearning today, ILT tomorrow, after you've done coaching yesterday? On the same topic?

This question seems simplistic to me. This is blended learning. But as a rule, teaching methods should be fitted to the learning type and not the other way around.

We know that students learn differently and it is better to use different teaching methods make learning better.

Sadly, our schools seem to focus more on ILT, varying it a bit with discussion and question and answer sessions. eLearning is still in its infancy (if not the embryonic stage) and is not even seen as an alternative, much less better and more viable.

But technology-based learning has a great potential.

More on these in the coming months.

A Short Post

I am swamped with work lately. But I still think eLearning.

Some thoughts.

Analyze eLearning Readiness Survey from ManCom
Create a short Learning session using eLearning
Identify Technical Requirements for Intranet Web
Evaluate Online Course Offerings

Learning Management Systems

From the e-Learning Centre (http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/guide2elearning/1-1/1-1-3.htm)

A Learning Management System (or LMS) is software that launches content and manages, tracks and reports on employees' learning. The functionality of LMSs varies from basic training management systems to sophisticated enterprise-wide learning management systems that include competency management.

The article also tackles the question "Do I need an LMS?"

An LMS is basically a tracking system for student performance and managing content.

With this definition, is it necessary to have one from the beginning of implementing your eLearning strategy, from the standpoint of small organizations and public schools in the Philippines ?

My safe answer is a conditional no. A straight answer is not yet.

An LMS is good to have but not necessary. The main objective of implementing eLearning is LEARNING. Having an LMS does not guarantee learning. Concentrate on the learning aspect of eLearning first. When you have that, the rest is details.

Can we live without LMS? Definitely. It is like asking, can you live without a mobile phone? Without a mobile phone, you still can communicate through a regular telephone, though mail or face-to-face. But having a mobile phone makes communiation easier. In developing an eLearning strategy, an LMS should not be the main concern. However, it must always be included in your long term plans. Initially, an LMS will not be needed. But as your eLearning program develops, your proficiency improve, an LMS is a natural next step.

In any eLearning program, be it for a hundred people or a thousand, the primary concern should always be learning. An LMS should be secondary. Only after you are sure that your eLearning courses are effective in terms of content, interactivity and responsiveness to your learning needs should you move to the next phase. And that would be an LMS.

The eLearning dilemma

The factors for implementing eLearning in organizations have been proven already. Less travel cost, self-paced learning, anytime, anywhere access and million other things make the case for eLearning a strong one.

But why is it so hard to convince people, even those in training, and specially management to adopt an eLearning program?

Personally, I can sum it all up in this: ignorance. Not knowing what it takes, a fear of the unknown, resistance to change.

I've seen these manifestations first hand.

First, we have the skewed organizational vision and culture of an organization. Many companies see training as an add-on, not an integral part of the system. In times of crisis, the training budget is always the first one to get cut. It does not help that the company culture sees training as an afterthought. There was once a company that sent its people for training abroad. And though it was not said explicitly, many viewed it as a an excuse to travel. The catch? The company ties you to a contract, where you have to render x number of years of service to the company, or else pay the training cost. In the late nineties, the trainind department of a local company explored the possibility of developing their eLearning system. It was a short lived exploration. It didn't even get past the the idea stage. They got burnt really good. Recently, somebody began pushing for eLearning again and the supervisor said "I'm not optimistic of our chance. Remember, we tried before and got no support from management. Do you think they'll buy into it this time?"

Two years ago, I brought up the issue of eLearning in our department. One co-trainer said, "But if we use eLearning, you will be replacing us. We will lose our jobs!" Technology to replace the teacher? Not true!

Another critical issue is resistance to change. Some people have gotten used to the traditional training environment, the classroom setup, that they are afraid or unwilling to change. And this, coming from people in training, who are supposed to be at the forefront of championing learning. Ironic, isn't it?

But for me, the main concern would not be these things.

The greatest factor to be considered in setting up an eLearning program is the LEARNER. Before even thinking of what system to use, and what courses to implement, assess the learners needs first. Is the Learner prepared? What are their fears? What's in it for them? For any kind of training program, all these questions should be asked. And addressed. The Learners needs should come first. But in a company, it's always cost vs the benefit right?. So the Benefit part in eLearning should be the learner's benefit. Not just the company's pocket.

Is it impossible to implement eLearning? How do we address these concerns?

We wait for the next post. =)

First Impressions: Audacity

Audacity 1.2 is a free cross platform audio editor. I just played with it a bit as I needed audio that would playback music as I narrate my presentation. It can record and save in several audio formats including .wav and .mp3.

What impressed me with Audacity was the ease at which I was able to mix, cut and record my audio requirement. From my speakers, the audio quality was good enough for what i needed to do: audio for a slide presentation.

It also have effects such as fade, change pitch, amplify, bassboost, etc. along with silence, white noise and tone generation.

Audacity is a winner in quality, effects, ease of use and platform independence. Overall, and with the free price tag to boot, it rates a 10 in my book.

For more info on Audacity, visit: for free at http://audacity.sourceforge.net

Elearning for the Technology-Challenged

Here in the Philippines, only a small percentage of the population have access to a computer. Of these, only a small percentage have access to CD-ROMS and the internet.

If this is the case, building online courses would be useless for most.

How do you reach out to the less-priveleged?

TV and Radio. But since radio and TV stations are costly, what choice do we have?

The VCD and to a cetain extent, the DVD.

I've been to many rural areas and have noticed that many households have TV sets and quite a number, VCD or DVD players.

Filipinos love watching movies. The proliferation of pirated VCDs is a testament to that.

VCDs as Elearning? This idea might be the spark for national development.

Searching for the Pocket-friendly and Effective Elearning Tools

Searching the net for elearning, I found several tools for authoring, learning management systems (LMS), learning content management system (LCMS), test and quizzes software, help tools, multimedia applications, and other possible software for elearning.

I’ve had some experiences with several big names which also (to my mind) carry the heaviest burdens on the pocket. Admittedly, they are top-notch solutions for elearning development. They can cover content and learner databases, multimedia, usability, scalability, ease of use, portability and other features you might want in a system.

But there are also a lot of systems out there that may be right for your needs, and do just as good as the big names for a lesser price. And better yet, free.

Open-source, freeware and low-cost software: can we find quality tools for elearning among these?

CUSTOM-FIT ELEARNING

My search for elearning providers in the Philippines returned only a handful. And most were catering to IT and programming. There were one or two which provided soft or business skills. And I guess that all of these are licensees of US, UK or some other country.

I surmise that the reason for this is still business. Why re-invent the wheel? You already have existing training programs, developed and researched and tested. And for IT and programming, certification exams are based on approved elearning programs and curriculum. Developing your own programs for these standard courses is just not cost-effective? Why make when you can license?

This is justified of course. Anyone who ventures into elearning must think of what's best for the company he forms. It will take him a lot longer and cost him more money to create his own program. And there is the "colonial mentality" we have. That homegrown is almost always inferior to US or imported products.

But I beg to differ in some aspects from this line of reasoning. In designing any learning program, be it traditional classroom or online/elearning, the bottom line is still learning. And you take into consideration your learners.

I believe that the Filipino learner have unique needs and quirks as much as he has similar requirements with learners of different nationalities. I submit therefore that we might learn better if the eleraning programs we use are custom-made for us.

Case in point. Language and diction. In 1996, I went to the states for training. I ordered breakfast from a nearby Wendy's Hamburgers store and was stumped after I finished giving my order. The reason? I could not understand what the cashier was saying. She repeated it 3 times and I still couldn't get it. My colleague understood and repeated what the lady said. Apparently she was saying "Is that all for you?". I know that I had better than average command of the English language.

2nd point. Cultural. Most or all Americans know football or baseball. But not all of us do. So, if an elearning progarm uses these as examples, they wont get the message across.

I just brought out a few points, and there are many.

Do we need to make customized learning for our audience? Yes when we can and if it is sound business to do so. And I believe that we can.

That's why I'm here.

Contingency

I had a rough night.

We had power failure at 12MN. We were still in the dark as we went off for work. Which brings me to the topic of contingencies.

Contingency was a topic I was just reading last night for my entrepreneurship course. It talks of having options, alternate decisions, planning and worst case scenarios. At work, we have the business continuity plan which states that we should be able to operate and do processing for our client even if our mainframe gets compromised. At home, I had a rechargeable fan, fans, rechargeable light, candles, flashlight, batteries, food, etc. We still had difficulty sleeping comfortably, but at least the kids got more sleep. Maybe I should get another rechargeable fan for us, though I think its not worth it at this point. We can get by with one night of discomfort. And besides, this doesn't happen often, and is not life or death. What do you think?

Also, can contingencies be made for all types of business?

Take for example elearning. What if there is a power failure? A busted computer? a bad CD? Incorrect software?

My point: Contingency has cost. And it may not be apparent that it is worth it. Until things go haywire. You may get by without any contingency. But think of the opportunity to "show off" and gain the trust of your customer. And maybe more sales.

I better get that rechargeable fan later.

ELEARNING OVERVIEW

I gave my boss a teaser about elearning. And she informed me I was to give a 1 hour overview about it to the company - a brown-bag session on Nov 4. I am excited about this prospect. I've been championing Elearning in our company for quite some time. This may be my chance to sell it.

Here is what I sent. I took portions from the book ABS's of Elearning, Chapter Two, Copyright 2002 Jossey-Bass.


Imagine this: The clock reads 8:00 AM. You are in the middle of a training session with your pajamas on. You decide that you need to sleep until morning. The clock buzzes at 7:00 AM and you come back to previous topics that were unclear while sipping coffee at your favorite coffee shop. You finish the training in the office and get the results of your exams immediately. You passed with flying colors! But you think you need to go back to one or two topics. So you decide to look it up again the following day. At no extra cost. And you didn't even have to go to the training center.

Sounds cool?

ELEARNING: convenient, anytime, anywhere learning. This is the trend in education and training. Elearning is rapidly becoming a standard method for training and education. It is convenient, cost-effective and can be done online, offline, anytime.
In general, Elearning is generic term for all technologically supported learning using an array of teaching and learning tools that utilizes electronic media such as phone bridging, audio and videotape, videoteleconferencing, satellite broadcast and the more commonly recognized forms of web-based training or computer aided instruction also commonly referred to as online courses.

Benefits for Learners. Here are some attributes of well-designed elearning. From the point of view of learners, well-designed e-learning:
1. Creates interactions that stimulate understanding and the recall of information when learners exchange questions during online discussions.
2. Accommodates different types of learners and fosters learning through a variety of activities that apply different learning styles.
3. Fosters self-paced learning so learners can learn at the rate they prefer.
4. Provides convenient access to learning any time, any place.
5. Reduces travel time and travel costs.
6. Encourages learners to take responsibility for their learning and builds self-knowledge and self-confidence.

Benefits for Managers. Managers who have had success with elearning comment that it can:
1. Provide automated, continuous assessment and reporting of student participation and progress.
2. Reduce capital costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar schools and training facilities.
3. Reduce costs of learning materials, mailing, and telephones associated with distance learning programs.
4. Create more consistency in the training program through a template approach.
5. Provide access to instructors anywhere.

Are you ready to benefit from Elearning?


I have to start on my outline. God is Good!

FIRST POST

Today, I place my thoughts on the net.

My current interests:

Low-cost Elearning
Open-source and freeware
Entrepreneurship
Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences

More later.

Thank you Lord for giving us everything we need.