Nicolet Embraces Online Technology and the Future of Classroom Learning

Just one click of a mouse and will be able to take quizzes and tests, review homework assignments and even have class discussions online with a new program called Moodle.

Moodle is free, and many schools across the nation are already using the program to offer students an alternative to the traditional classroom experience. With a few simple key strokes, students can log into a central online location for each class that’s using Moodle. 

John Reiels is the director of technology at Nicolet and is coordinating the professional development of the Moodle program, making sure it aligns with Nicolet’s curriculum.

"This forces teachers to determine what fits comfortably in an online environment and what things are essential to be taught in a classroom," Reiels said. “This tool is going to enable us to take what’s in place in the classroom and kind of go beyond with some of the online activities."

Administrators refer to the software as a type of container, where students can pick-up content, assignments, handouts, readings, or Web links that are relevant to that class. The program also contains discussion boards allowing interaction and information sharing between students in the class.

A two-part process

The program will take two steps to implement at Nicolet. The first step involves 20 teachers taking a semester-long graduate level course on the program. Then, those teachers will begin applying the Moodle program later this year and in the spring.

Donna Bohn teaches IT Essentials, a required computer course for students, at Nicolet. She is excited about Moodle and is taking the graduate level course to not only learn the system, but also to obtain her online teaching certificate.

“I feel this will benefit students in that they will be familiar with learning in an online environment,” Bohn said. “It’s difficult to predict what college will look like for our students, so we need to give them the best education we can at the present.”

Lisa Wathen will also be taking the graduate level course to learn more about the Moodle program. She developed a Moodle class several years ago, but since that time has been focused on other curricular and instructional projects.

“I hope to relearn Moodle and slowly begin creating a more hybrid approach to teaching; moving some of what we do in the class to an online format,” Wathen said. "Education can really no longer be confined to a 50-minute time period and four walls."

With other districts already using Moodle, Reiels said learning this type of technology is becoming more and more essential for instructors.

“Teachers will really prioritize what parts of the learning process are critical to happen in a face-to-face environment,” he said.

With technology advancing so many aspects of everyday life, many teachers like Wathen believe it will benefit not only them, but allow them to meet the diverse needs of their students.

“Online learning really maximizes the opportunities for students to learn at their own pace," she said.