This vision was quickly reinforced with appropriate research, experimentation, and software installations. The product of this on-going project is this domain: www.sjscoolschool.com.

The dynamic online learning system chosen for this project is called Moodle. Using this system, teachers can easily create web-based components of traditional face-to-face classes. Depending on how far a teacher would want to take this model of learning, these online courses could supplement or replace any number of lessons, resources, assignments, and assessments traditionally provided in a classroom setting. An online environment gives students access to their own learning practically at any time and from anywhere. (Missed work due to classroom absence could [theoretically] eventually be a thing of the past.)

Early adopters at St. John's School have begun "moodling" in some of their classes. Students in these classes have expressed excited interest in the system's ability to receive online submissions of their work and distribution of feedback at almost any time and from anywhere they have online access. Teachers currently using the system are actively finding ways of applying the technology in their classes and lessons. A popular use of Moodle is the online submission of journals. Students type away their thoughts, click "Save," and at the teacher's convenience, swift feedback is provided to the student. Journals, assignments, and grades are maintained online in a no-hassle interface.

From the original concept and vision of Mrs. Cecille Nazareno and Mr. Rolly Maiquez, Pioneer SJS Cool Schoolers now also include Mrs. Jenny Boden-Hawes, Mr. Allan Nazareno, and Mrs. Rachel Kerr. New Moodlers include Mrs. Karen Alvia and Mrs. Margaret Mesa. All 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students are now using this system as well as the Upper School students enrolled in the classes of Mr. Nazareno and Mrs. Boden-Hawes. Elementary and high school teachers who participated in the recent professional development classes on Educational Technology and Macintosh Computers at St. John's School also experienced using Moodle since the system was integrated in all the courses offered.

All St. John's School teachers are invited to try this newly developed online learning system. With Moodle's ease of use, it is hoped that all teachers will eventually be able to create their own dynamic online classes. This will promote and strengthen the integration of technology in the curriculum.

So ... how does one get started on this system? Just send a message to the email address written in the blue bubble below and the "webby" will help you set up an account in the system to get you "moodling" in no time!

Click here to proceed to the SJS Cool School Online Learning Environment and see what the fuss is all about. Login as a guest and try one of the courses open to visitors -- it's found in the "Miscellaneous" category.

------------------------------------------------------------

by: Rolly Maiquez
SJS Cool Schooler and Webby
January 24, 2005
Updated: August 21, 2005