philspokes

You could easily convert your DVD to a video file and upload to an LMS. If this is all you need to do, then forget SCORM. If you want to have some kind of interaction/activity around the video, you could look at putting the video in to a SCORM file (but you will likely need suitable software - i.e. Articulate/Captivate), or utilising the LMS functionality if suitable.

Itslearning has an eportfolio function built in so we used that. Moodle does have eportfolio plug ins available though. Mahara is probably the best to my knowledge.

Not Moodle, but have set up a pretty detailed and bespoke EPQ using itslearning so the principles are the same. Split the course in to units (topics on Moodle) ie. Unit 1: Introducing the Extended Project. Topic includes activties/resources suce as PPTs/PDFs, Pro-Formas, eportfolio activity and quiz. Activities throughout prompt the students in to providing evidence. Happy to show anyone who is interested.

I don't like to say you are wasting your time, but the fact is that there are over 600 VLEs/LMS on the market already, and as edmoeski says, very few gaps. Agree with all of the above and I believe a modular system is the way forward, where you can pick and choose which elements you want, and easily develop new apps/plugins. Many companies are now doing this for their own systems, or for 3rd party ones. A good example of this is RealSmart, who have already built a system that utilises Google apps and wraps them up in their Wordpress website and other VLE tools. Helps with the single sign-on solution too! Most companies also work closely with schools to develop requests from their clients. eArete is one example of a company where this is at the forefront of their philosophy. In a nutshell, it's a saturated and competitive market which is hard to break, but good luck if you take the leap. I'd be interested to see what you came up with!

I've worked extensively with itslearning (building a customised platform/courses as well as providing demos and training) and it is excellent. Very easy to use and robust. It can be customised, along with most VLEs but it all depends on your requirements. I always tell my clients to specify exactly what it is you want the VLE to do for you first. Every VLE company has its USP but what is the priority, what are the outcomes? From that, you can source a suitable solution (or get someone like me to find it for you!) Funnily enough, I'm in the process of recommending RealSmart to a client, but obviously that doesnt sound like it works for the OP. The company I mentioned above (Earete) offer a much more bespoke service, meaning they can build in functionality for you at a school level, rather than making existing functionality work for you. Without knowing the detail, I can't guarantee it's a right fit, but I don't know of anyone else doing that with their own inhouse system (would be interested in hearing otherwise though!)

Sent you a PM with details of a new VLE company who could be exactly what you are looking for! Phil

Bit late I know, but this caught my eye as I get asked it a lot so thought I'd chip in for anyone seeing it late too and wanting a quick answer! VLE's tend to have 3 price structures: 1) Annual Fee Subscription 2) License Based Subscription 3) Combination of the above 1)Annual fees Cost will generally be between £500 - £5000 depending on the school size and type. Some price by size, others by Primary, Middle or Secondary. I have worked on a number of non-school set-ups (for upto 50,000 users which will require a bespoke quote). Typically there will also be some start up costs which include set up, integration, branding, training etc (you will be told that £3k is typical for a standard set up. If you have more complex integrations and/or server requirements this can drastically increase). 2) License based subscription. Again, you will have associated start up costs. These should be the same as above. A license can cost anywhere between £2 and £50, depending on how many users you have. It all evens out and you will generally find that the overall cost will be similar to that of the Annual Fee Subscription. I have found though that there is more scope for negotiation with these deals (ie first year trial basis etc). 3) Combination A number of the larger companies will charge both of the above, but again it evens out to cost approximately the same. So in a nutshell, some approximate prices (which are by no means concrete) for a standard set up are: Secondary school with 2000 students - £3-5k set up. £5-6k per year. Primary school with 100 students - £1k set up. £500 per year. Having said that, it all depends on what you want it to do. If you want an all singing, all dancing system then it's more likely to be £10k set up and £20k per year. If you want it to do the basics, budget accordingly!