Moodle e-learning environment - An effective tool for a development of a learning culture

Abstract

The 21st century, structural changes in our industries and economics, globalization of our world need responsible new engineers and scientists. New competence requirements in the ICT (information and communication technology) sector and in information and knowledge work mean new challenges for national educational systems. In particular, traditional technical and higher engineering education needs critical evaluation and a broadening of curricula with knowledge traditionally included in social sciences. Understanding of human and organizational behaviour, cultural understanding, communication and language skills, and the capacity for conceptual thinking are important competencies needed in the future. In this paper it is argued that blended learning with computer based learning in the Moodle e-learning environment based on social constructivist learning theory is an effective tool for teaching and learning of Occupational Health and Safety discipline (OHS) - including chemical risks and human factor issues, for future engineers and managers. The author has six years experience of computer based teaching. The author's own teaching experience of the Moodle e-learning environment for creating and providing different courses in the Tallinn University of Technology and in the Virumaa College of Tallinn University of Technology (located in the Ida-Viru County of Estonia and the Tartu College of Tallinn University of Technology, will be presented. According to the questionnaires given to students at the end of each course, the teaching and learning in the Moodle e-learning environment as blended learning is very useful for development of a learning culture. The effectiveness and motivation for learning are higher than providing traditional methods of learning. New possibilities and dimensions for teaching and learning are opened which will develop the learning culture. © 2008 IChemE.