The experience of eighth grade Language Arts students using Moodle in a Language Arts classroom
by Boehning, Sheila J., Ph.D., CAPELLA UNIVERSITY, 2008, 149 pages; 3291955

Abstract:

This study sought to understand the experience of one eighth grade Language Arts class who used Moodle for one unit of study. The review of the literature focused on three main areas: online learning, multiple intelligences, and Moodle. The literature reviewed various avenues of online learning, how individual's learning styles and intelligences affect learning, and one specific method of online learning, Moodle. The majority of the current literature focuses on online learning at the university level. A gap in the literature exists in the area of Moodle for middle school students. A gap in the literature also exists in the effect Moodle has on multiple intelligences and learning styles. This study was a qualitative case study that focused on the experience of one class of 24 students who used Moodle while studying the unit of The Pigman. Students wrote in their journals every day and then 12 students were interviewed at the end of the study. In order to provide triangulation in the study, the teacher also kept a journal and was interviewed. The results were shared in a descriptive narrative that conveyed the experiences of the students throughout the two week study. Significant themes such as fun, participation, helpful, logistics, learning, and Myspace were identified and described from the students' and teacher's point of view. The primary research question was to understand the experience of eighth grade Language Arts students who use Moodle for one unit of study. Secondary research questions were also posed: Do students perceive Moodle to enhance the learning process? Does Moodle sustain a higher interest level? Does Moodle complement onsite learning? Are the logistics of Moodle conducive to learning? The study conveyed the experiences of the eighth grade students which ranged from "fun" to "frustrating." Recommendations for further research include learning more about the use of Moodle in middle school classrooms, the impact of Moodle on various learning styles such as multiple intelligences, the effect that online discussions have on the confidence of quiet students, and the impact that technology has on the writing products of students.

 
AdviserPam Hanfelt
SchoolCAPELLA UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/A 69-01, p. , Apr 2008
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsLanguage arts; Secondary education; Educational technology
Publication Number3291955
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