What VLE 2012/2013?

[JJonas]

What VLE/Web content package are people on here running?

 

We have tried Fronter, Kerboodle, SAM Learning, MyMaths, UPD8 Wiked and a long time ago a version of Moodle.

 

We are now being asked to look at Alfie.

 

All of these required their own logins and passwords and it is getting just too confusing for the kids.

 

Is there one that does it all? and can it integrate(easily) with AD and our MIS(Facility/ePortal)?

 

It would be nice if it came with content but also had the ability for us to add/import new content.

Edited October 25, 2012 by JJonas

[danbuntu]

we use moodle. It's got all the AD stuff built with SSO so they can open IE and get logged straight in. You can import pretty much any content you want.

[synaesthesia]

Moodle here, again full integration with AD, MIS integration is something we pay someone for.

[psydii]

This is what

UK Federation Information Centre | Home / Home browse

and

The LGfL Access Management Federation | London Grid for Learning

 

are for.

 

 

Perhaps a more widely known tool (to developers) is this

or https://developers.google.com/accounts/docs/OpenID (which perhaps when used in conjuction with a google EDU apps account syncing to your AD)

might be able to perform a similar role to one of the federations.

 

Failing that manual export and matching of your AD accounts to your MIS data and import that into the new service.

 

Though I note that at first glance Alfie does not appear to support any of the above, and requires its own way of doing things.

Edited October 25, 2012 by psydii

[IrritableTech]

I'm a great believer that it matters less which platform you use, and more how you encourage staff and students to use it. Perhaps changing your VLE so often, is part of the reason why it doesn't take off? All that said, many see VLE's as a bit long in the tooth these days. There are lots of handy websites and services which may prove a better fit in todays education arena.

 

Currently we use Moodle, with single sign-on and automated scripts which integrate into Sims.

[Oaktech]

Moodle with AD integration here... it's a bit slow, but otherwise works pretty well.

[Soulfish]

Moodle with full integration with SIMS and AD. Auto enrollments into the correct courses as timetables are changed in SIMS with the wonderful ZiLink. Full parental reporting as well. Really really liking Moodle 2.3 (drag and drop upload by default has made our staff super happy!)

[MicrodigitUK]

We use Frog with integration with SIMS and AD. Also have single sign on from Frog to Kerboodle, I am Learning and Microsoft Live@Edu. Thay also have several other SSO kits and widgets for other 3rd party web systems.

[zag]

Sharepoint 2010 here with the obvious AD integration as standard.

 

Works very well as a VLE

[mthomas08]

Frog here, AD/MIS sync etc

 

As Micro says it integrates with other things E.g Vivo (shows their points) and Eclipse (which I will get up and running next week).

 

Frog allows you to very easily create pages and update them, we have an Art Teacher (useless with IT) able to create sites and update them. Recently just shown Health and Social care teacher how to do her own and tomorrow will be showing a PE Teacher how to do his. Very easy to create department areas (I actually cant stress how easy it is). And only allow them access to do their own areas.

 

Frog usually has a demo going some where, we for one will be hosting one early next year. If your really interested contact them and they can tell you the nearest venue.

[alttab]

What VLE/Web content package are people on here running?

 

We have tried Fronter, Kerboodle, SAM Learning, MyMaths, UPD8 Wiked and a long time ago a version of Moodle.

 

We are now being asked to look at Alfie.

 

All of these required their own logins and passwords and it is getting just too confusing for the kids.

 

Is there one that does it all? and can it integrate(easily) with AD and our MIS(Facility/ePortal)?

 

It would be nice if it came with content but also had the ability for us to add/import new content.

 

the thing is, you can get resources that are SCORM compliant that can be uploaded into a VLE of choice, but a lot of subscription based services

where you do have things likeindividual assessments and a lot of online content unless they all sing from the same hymn sheet as far as federation/shibboleth, then this is forever going to be an issue. Unless you really can get by with having as few of these separate systems - but then that requires content tailored for your VLE to match what they offer - and secondly can you really get all the content they offer into digestable modules for your VLE ?

Several massive asks in my view.

 

I know people have mentioned AD integration for Moodle, but does the same route work for allowing moodle users to access shared areas. Like server shared folders and homedirs ?

[Andie]

Not using it, as it was too new to pass the LA procurement process, but heard good things about Kite during the procurement process from secondary schools that had taken a look off their own back:

 

The Kite Learning Platform - How Kite Works

 

Claims to integrate with AD.

[bossman]

+1 Moodle 2.3 with AD and Sims integration, Google docs and Zimbra blocks with SSO just works a treat.......as @Soulfish has mentioned.

[eddyc]

We have Frog here - linked with Softlink Oliver, Kerboodle plus many other things.

 

We have a full time VLE development technician that works with each department to get their content on - it has taken him around twelve months but now the school as a whole are actively using it.

[JJonas]

Thanks keep the feedback coming, all very interesting. Any users of Alfie on here?

[GrumbleDook]

Used and using a variety, but they all have common tools of discussion, blog, document storage / allocation / return and wiki. There are a few other additions such as IM, vidchat / video conferencing (there is a difference), scorm objects, etc. You can, of course, do all of these individually and join them together yourself.

 

Personally, SharePoint or Moodle ... making sure you work with the right partner on either to get AD integration and/or SSO to other resources.

[pmdc199]

Used and using a variety, but they all have common tools of discussion, blog, document storage / allocation / return and wiki. There are a few other additions such as IM, vidchat / video conferencing (there is a difference), scorm objects, etc. You can, of course, do all of these individually and join them together yourself.

 

Personally, SharePoint or Moodle ... making sure you work with the right partner on either to get AD integration and/or SSO to other resources.

 

Does share point also allow kids to create their own websites on their my sites I think? Also share point allows connection to work areas doesn't it?

[pmdc199]

Anyone use itslearning? Is it any good ? Price?

[mthomas08]

Does share point also allow kids to create their own websites on their my sites I think? Also share point allows connection to work areas doesn't it?

 

We use the basic version of sharepoint here, although when we was looking in to webspaces I was able to create student areas. I had to manually create each one though - not sure if the fully paid for version is any different though.

 

The students that started to use it though didnt like the way it all looked and felt.. which was a shame because at the time it was really nice to have.

 

Not over though with Frog which is much better for creating pages I plan on allowing students to create a folder for their own page designs and permissions are very easy to setup. On a huge to do list though.

[pmdc199]

We use the basic version of sharepoint here, although when we was looking in to webspaces I was able to create student areas. I had to manually create each one though - not sure if the fully paid for version is any different though.

 

The students that started to use it though didnt like the way it all looked and felt.. which was a shame because at the time it was really nice to have.

 

Not over though with Frog which is much better for creating pages I plan on allowing students to create a folder for their own page designs and permissions are very easy to setup. On a huge to do list though.

 

Is Frog not megabucks though. Can you give me a rough idea of what you are paying and pupil numbers please?

[mthomas08]

Its expensive but if you do your homework you do get good value for money. In the end it depends what you want out of it, if you want a basic VLE even the frog boss will turn around and say go get moodle.

 

We 1800 ish students and an additional Skills Centre which will be using it at some point.

 

The price last I checked it was well over a year now (I hear prices are dropping - not official though) 20K. Thing to remember about the price though it doesnt go up if you have more users or content. That was for secondary school pricing though.

 

There is an annual fee though but that does come with technical support and future updates, which I cant complain about because their updates have been pretty good. The next version of FrogOS looks very impressive. If you do really consider Frog I would always suggest doing the homework on it to make sure its the best thing for you.

 

For us we wasnt sure even when purchasing it, even during the training there was question marks after using it fully for 2 months for all users - we have very few complaints yet more and more staff wanting to get on board. Those who have been working on it for months have not even got bored of it, we even have non IT staff now designing pages or maintaining their websites.

 

We did have a huge demand though when it came to a VLE, we had one which was aging but did the very basics and that was it - moodle based and sadly only one man was maintaining it (BAR/Grade systems on it though are 2nd to none). We also purchased SecureGateway, Parent Portal and Frog to design our VLE and Website - which I have to admit is fantastic looking. Both have been popular designs when Frog demo to schools.

 

If you consider it, dont be afraid to ask questions - I wont lie it does have its flaws but dont they all.

[woody]

We are using Its Learning. Very simple to pick up, they can set up SSO to your AD using ADFS. SSO to Live@Edu soon to become Office365. There are also plans to integrate the Office365 apps straight into the platform.

 

After failing with two other paid for VLEs, this one has been a breath of fresh air.

 

Of course, you need to do you homework to see what suites your school.