In this research and prototyping project, I was exploring the ideal requirements for a bespoke virtual learning environment for a unique cohort of MSc students, with a view to replacing a more generic Moodle-based system. We ultimately decided not to take the project beyond the prototype stage, but it provided good insights into the users that have helped me make some incremental improvements to the existing system.

 

 

It was clear that the key needs of the students were to be able to easily view their course timetable, often only having time to do this on the day of lectures, and to be able to easily access previous lecture notes. I also identified that the “lost” time of their commute could be put to much better use in reviewing previous work and preparing for upcoming lecures, if these activities could be supported.

 

I decided that a system that provides easy desktop and mobile access to the key features of timetables and lecture materials would better suit students than the existing Moodle module-type based on topics or days.

 

 

User feedback on the prototype was incredibly positive, and although we were not in a position to commission the building of a bespoke platform, I was satisfied that I had produced a good "ideal" that prospective systems could be measured against. It was interesting to see the launch a couple of years later of Canvas, a new virtual learning platform that is designed to be a lot more intuitive and user friendly. Some of the key recommendations that came out of this project, such as a system that uses events (lectures, exams etc) as the smallest building blocks of a course rather than weeks, or topics, and an interface that is timetable based, form some of the key features of Canvas.