Moodle versus eClass for Macau Schools

Abstract

In Macau, the government education department sponsors the adoption of a Hong Kong developed computer based learning management system by schools, but many teachers have concerns about the performance of this system. This project implements and uses the very popular Moodle open source learning management system in a Macau school to compare its performance against the locally developed system. The relative performance of the systems is compared from three bases - reflections by the teacher involved in using both systems, a questionnaire survey of school students on their experiences and perceptions of both systems, and a focus group of teachers. It is found that both students and teachers believe that learning management systems improve the school learning environment and encourage greater student efforts. Also, overall, it is found that the Moodle open source learning management system is easier to set up and manage, is more reliable and easier to use, and has much richer functionality than the local government sponsored alternative. Finally, it seems to be important for teachers to be closely involved in the adoption of a learning management system by a school so that they feel some responsibility in ensuring the success of the project. As a result of this project, we recommend that Macau schools change over to use the Moodle learning management system.