The development and evaluation of an online master's module using an open-source software package

Abstract

This study reports on the development, implementation and evaluation of an online master’s module called Management Information Systems in Education, in the specialization phase in the master’s course in Administration and Management in Education. The pedagogical and practical issues that have to be addressed when teaching with a Learning Management System (LMS) were explored during the evaluation process of the online environment. It was conducted in the form of a design experiment. The online module was built using Moodle software and the study was undertaken at the Faculty of Education of the Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique. An evaluation questionnaire with open-ended questions was developed to evaluate the online component of the module. The questionnaires were completed by a sample of seven adult students who were registered for the optional module and their lecturer. Observations on the Moodle site were also conducted. An adaptation of Cronjé’s (2006) model of the four quadrants of teaching and learning was used to develop the conceptual framework. An interpretive analysis of the data plotted the answers to the research questions on the adapted Cronjé model. The findings indicate that the use of an online module designed and delivered through Moodle is recommended because it can be accessed at any time and at any place; it provides the opportunity to collaborate with others virtually; it provides an opportunity to learn more; it is an easy way to study; it is a useful educational package that can be adopted by teachers to supplement the teaching and learning process in schools; it assists in solving many problems related to information management at work; it helps in diversifying the learning activities; and it improves communication possibilities.