Nowadays, nearly all of our professors use Moodle (UMass’ online learning system) for classes. We all know that there are some aspects of Moodle that are incredibly convenient for students, such as having course readings all in one place and being able to reference the class calendar. However, there can be some downsides to the omnipresence of Moodle in our classes:
1. Professors update assignments on Moodle at the last minute instead of communicating in person with their students. Whereas in the past, professors chatted with their students in order to convey information about an assignment, they can now convey information about assignments more impersonally. In my experience, this use of Moodle for assignment information does not allow students to voice opinions or concerns about assignments.
2. Professors who use Moodle now do not have to create a traditional syllabus to give to students at the beginning of the semester. Professors can update assignments on Moodle on a weekly basis. While this set-up may be more convenient for professors, the student suffers without a full syllabus that specifically lays out the plan for each class. If a students does not receive a traditional syllabus with a bibliography, it becomes difficult to cite the course’s readings as sources on your essays for the class.
3. Having every course that you’re taking on Moodle increases the amount of time that you spend on-line. We are already plugged into our phones and laptops for so much of the day and having to keep track of four or more courses on Moodle is extra work and time consuming.
4. Having to turn in assignments on Moodle and posting or commenting on class forums leads to administrative work for the student. Not only are we doing the work for the assignment, but in creating and commenting on online forums, we are essentially doing the professor’s work of organizing and labeling the finished assignments. Remember, we’re taking our classes to gain expertise in the subject matter that interests us, not to organize paperwork.
Certainly, there are certain advantages to having Moodle, but there are many disadvantages. In my experience, all of my courses are moving towards increased use of Moodle every semester. If you have doubts about Moodle as well, voice them in your course evaluations at the end of the semester, Collegiettes!