Time Management in Moodle

Michael de Raadtmichaeld@moodle.com

"The only reason for time isso that everything doesn't happen at once."

Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

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About Me

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Importance of Time Management• Students struggle with time management (Vaughan

2007)– Particularly OS students in Aus courses (Alam and Collings

2005)• Time-management skills better predictor than entry

scores (Dabbagh and Kitsantas 2005)– Particularly positive TM attitude and short-term TM– LMS on its own can help student TM

• course info, projects, calendars, discussions• requires student to actively monitor

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The Progress Bar• Features

– Colour-coded– Selective activities/resources– Automatically shows student

completion (passive)

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Using the Progress Bar• Set up activities/

resources first• Add Progress Bar

block(s)• Setup which

activities and when

• Hide activities for progressive release

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Overview• Using Progress Bar to Monitor Progress

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Does it work?• Measure of retention• Student feedback

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Retention• More consistent participation

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Ass 1 Ass 2 Ass 3 Ass 4 Ass 5 Ass 6 Exam

S1 2008S2 2008S1 2009

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Feedback• Survey

– After final assignment, before exam– 76 responses– 139 enrolled 55% resp. rate– 101 Ass5 submissions 75% resp. rate– 21 questions, 7 related to progress bar

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Feedback• The progress bar was an obvious sign of my

progress in the course

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Feedback• The progress bar helped me manage my time by

showing me what I needed to complete in the course

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Feedback• I would be happy to use the progress bar in

other courses

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Feedback• I felt compelled to make the progress bar all

green

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Feedback• I would like control over what items are

represented in the progress bar

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Feedback• I think the progress bar should show...

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Feedback• Comments

– the progress bar actually reduces stress as I know at a glance exactly what work is required to "keep up", and if I fall behind then I also know what is required to catch up.

– The progress bar was a great indicator for me. If I didnt realise the next workshop was available the progress bar would be right in my face telling me when it was

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Feedback• Comments

– I liked this idea. it made me feel compelled to reach deadlines

– The progress bar should be implemented in all subjects, especially for external students. Everytime you log in you exactly where you are at and if something knew and important has been posted you immediately check to see what it is.

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Feedback• Comments

– Not really sure the progress bar really helped at all because I usually use the study schedules as a guide in the introductory books.

– I didn't really find it useful at all. I focus on what needs to be assessed and that's it.

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Questions

michaeld@moodle.com